Buffered microencapsulated compositions and methods

ABSTRACT

A microcapsule composition comprising at least one polymer substantially disposed as a semi-permeable shell around an aqueous buffered solution and at least one agent, wherein the agent permeates the shell, and wherein the composition is suitable for delivery to a mammal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/921,350 filed Mar. 14, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/791,554 filed Oct. 24, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/619,128 filed Sep. 14, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/768,696, filed Apr. 27, 2010, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/172,939, filed Apr. 27, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to compositions, compounds and methods for encapsulating an aqueous buffer solution within a polymer shell to form a microcapsule, wherein the microcapsules are suitable for inclusion into a carrier for commercial products.

Microcapsules lend themselves to a diverse set of uses, and included therein is that certain encapsulated compounds may be suitable for oral or medicinal therapeutic use. For example, mineralized connective tissue or tissues include teeth, bone, and various connective tissues such as collagen, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other dense connective tissue and reticular fibers (that contains type III collagen) of a mammal, including a human being. For purposes of definition in this specification, “mineralized tissue” shall mean bone and teeth specifically. Each of the terms “mineralization”, “tissue mineralization”, used interchangeably herein, means a process in which crystals of calcium phosphate are produced by bone-forming cells or tooth-forming cells and laid down in precise amounts within the fibrous matrix or scaffolding of the mineralized tissue as defined hereinabove.

Calcium phosphates are a class of minerals containing, but not limited to, calcium ions together with orthophosphates, metaphosphates and/or pyrophosphates that may or may not contain hydrogen or hydroxide ions.

For purposes of definition in this specification, “remineralization” is the process of restoring minerals, in the form of mineral ions, to the hydroxyapatite latticework structure of a tooth. As used herein, the term “remineralization” includes mineralization, calcification, re-calcification and fluoridation as well as other processes by which various particular ions are mineralized to the tooth. The term “teeth” or “tooth” as used herein includes the dentin, enamel, pulp and cementum of a tooth within the oral cavity of an animal, including a human being.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods for whitening the surface of a tooth material by using the compositions of the invention. For purposes of definition in this specification, as referred to herein, a “tooth material” refers to natural teeth, dentures, dental plates, fillings, caps, crowns, bridges, dental implants, and the like, and any other hard surfaced dental prosthesis either permanently or temporarily fixed to a tooth within the oral cavity of an animal, including a human being. As used herein, the terms “whitening” and “tooth whitening” used interchangeably, refer to a change in the visual appearance of a tooth as defined herein, preferably such that the tooth has a brighter shade or luster.

Conditions of the Bone

No currently practiced therapeutic strategy involves methods or compositions that sufficiently stimulate or enhance the growth of new bone mass. The present invention provides compositions, products and methods which serve to increase bone mineralization at localized sites or remineralization of teeth directly in the oral cavity, and thus may be utilized in conjunction with treatments of a wide variety of conditions where it is desired to increase bone or tissue mass as a result of any condition which can be improved by bioavailability of physiological salts, particularly of calcium and phosphate.

Certain changes in bone mass occur over the life span of an individual. After about the age of 40 and continuing to the last stages of life, slow bone loss occurs in both men and women. Loss of bone mineral content can be caused by a variety of conditions, and may result in significant medical problems. If the process of tissue mineralization is not properly regulated, the result can be too little of the mineral or too much—either of which can compromise bone health, hardness and strength. A number of bone growth disorders are known which cause an imbalance in the bone remodeling cycle. Chief among these are metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoplasia (osteomalacia), chronic renal failure and hyperparathyroidism, which result in abnormal or excessive loss of bone mass known as osteopenia. Other bone diseases, such as Paget's disease, also cause excessive loss of bone mass at localized sites.

Osteoporosis is a structural deterioration of the skeleton caused by loss of bone mass resulting from an imbalance in bone formation, bone resorption, or both. Bone resorption is the process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone fluid to the blood. Bone resorption dominates the bone formation phase, thereby reducing the weight-bearing capacity of the affected bone. In a healthy adult, the rate at which bone is formed and resorbed is tightly coordinated so as to maintain the renewal of skeletal bone. However, in osteoporotic individuals, an imbalance in these bone remodeling cycles develops which results in both loss of bone mass and in formation of micro-architectural defects in the continuity of the skeleton. These skeletal defects, created by perturbation in the remodeling sequence, accumulate and finally reach a point at which the structural integrity of the skeleton is severely compromised and bone fracture is likely. Although this imbalance occurs gradually in most individuals as they age, it is much more severe and occurs at a rapid rate in postmenopausal women. In addition, osteoporosis also may result from nutritional and endocrine imbalances, hereditary disorders and a number of malignant transformations.

Osteoporosis in humans is preceded by clinical osteopenia (bone mineral density that is greater than one standard deviation but less than 2.5 standard deviations below the mean value for young adult bone), a condition found in approximately 25 million people in the United States. Another 7-8 million patients in the United States have been diagnosed with clinical osteoporosis (defined as bone mineral content greater than 2.5 standard deviations below that of mature young adult bone). Osteoporosis is one of the most expensive diseases for the health care system, costing billions of dollars annually in the United States. In addition to health care related costs, long-term residential care and lost working days add to the financial and social costs of this disease. Worldwide, approximately 75 million people are at risk for osteoporosis.

The frequency of osteoporosis in the human population increases with age, and among Caucasians is predominant in women, who comprise approximately 80% of the osteoporosis patient pool in the United States. In addition in women, another phase of bone loss occurs possibly due to postmenopausal estrogen deficiencies. During this phase of bone loss, women can lose an additional 10% in the cortical bone and 25% from the trabecular compartment. The increased fragility and susceptibility to fracture of skeletal bone in the aged is aggravated by the greater risk of accidental falls in this population. More than 1.5 million osteoporosis-related bone fractures are reported in the United States each year. Fractured hips, wrists, and vertebrae are among the most common injuries associated with osteoporosis. Hip fractures in particular are extremely uncomfortable and expensive for the patient, and for women correlate with high rates of mortality and morbidity.

Patients suffering from chronic renal (kidney) failure almost universally suffer loss of skeletal bone mass, termed renal osteodystrophy. While it is known that kidney malfunction causes a calcium and phosphate imbalance in the blood, to date replenishment of calcium and phosphate by dialysis does not significantly inhibit osteodystrophy in patients suffering from chronic renal failure. In adults, osteodystrophic symptoms often are a significant cause of morbidity. In children, renal failure often results in a failure to grow, due to the failure to maintain and/or to increase bone mass.

Osteoplasia, also known as osteomalacia (“soft bones”), is a defect in bone mineralization (e.g., incomplete mineralization), and classically is related to vitamin D deficiency (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3). The defect can cause compression fractures in bone, and a decrease in bone mass, as well as extended zones of hypertrophy and proliferative cartilage in place of bone tissue. The deficiency may result from a nutritional deficiency (e.g., rickets in children), malabsorption of vitamin D or calcium, and/or impaired metabolism of the vitamin.

Hyperparathyroidism (overproduction of the parathyroid hormone) is known to cause malabsorption of calcium, leading to abnormal bone loss. In children, hyperparathyroidism can inhibit growth, in adults the skeleton integrity is compromised and fracture of the ribs and vertebrae are characteristic. The parathyroid hormone imbalance typically may result from thyroid adenomas or gland hyperplasia, or may result from prolonged pharmacological use of a steroid. Secondary hyperparathyroidism also may result from renal osteodystrophy. In the early stages of the disease, osteoclasts are stimulated to resorb bone in response to the excess hormone present. As the disease progresses, the trabecular bone ultimately is resorbed and marrow is replaced with fibrosis, macrophages and areas of hemorrhage as a consequence of microfractures, a condition is referred to clinically as osteitis fibrosa.

Paget's disease (osteitis deformans) is a disorder currently thought to have a viral etiology and is characterized by excessive bone resorption at localized sites which flare and heal but which ultimately are chronic and progressive, and may lead to malignant transformation. The disease typically affects adults over the age of 25.

Although osteoporosis has been defined as an increase in the risk of fracture due to decreased bone mass, none of the presently available treatments for skeletal disorders can substantially increase the bone density of adults. A strong perception exists among physicians that drugs are needed which could increase bone density in adults, particularly in the bones of the wrist, spinal column and hip that are at risk in osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Current strategies for the prevention of osteoporosis may offer some benefit to individuals but cannot ensure resolution of the disease. These strategies include moderating physical activity, particularly in weight-bearing activities, with the onset of advanced age, including adequate calcium in the diet, and avoiding consumption of products containing alcohol or tobacco. For patients presenting with clinical osteopenia or osteoporosis, all current therapeutic drugs and strategies are directed to reducing further loss of bone mass by inhibiting the process of bone absorption, a natural component of the bone remodeling process that occurs constitutively.

For example, estrogen is now being prescribed to retard bone loss. There is, however, some controversy over whether there is any long term benefit to patients and whether there is any effect at all on patients over 75 years old. Moreover, use of estrogen is believed to increase the risk of breast and endometrial cancer. High doses of dietary calcium with or without vitamin D have also been suggested for postmenopausal women. However, ingestion of high doses of calcium can often have unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, and serum and urinary calcium levels must be continuously monitored.

Other therapeutics which have been suggested include calcitonin, bisphosphonates, anabolic steroids and sodium fluoride. Such therapeutics however, have undesirable side effects, for example, calcitonin and steroids may cause nausea and provoke an immune reaction, bisphosphonates and sodium fluoride may inhibit repair of fractures, even though bone density increases modestly, which that may prevent their usage.

The above disorders are examples of conditions that may lead to bone fractures, fissures or splintering of the bones in the individuals who suffer from a given disorder. Current therapeutic methods are insufficient to treat the disorders leaving a need for improved treatments of bone fractures when they occur in the individual. The present invention provides improved compositions, products and methods for locally treating bone fractures, fissures, splintering and similar breakages of the bone, or by strengthening decomposed bone tissue by increasing the mechanism of mineralization of the bone. It is conceivable that the current invention also causes mineralization of the surrounding connective tissue, such as collagen, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other dense connective tissue and reticular fibers.

The Oral Cavity

With respect to tissue decomposition in the oral cavity, it is commonly known in the dental art that certain kinds of tooth decomposition and decay that occurs over time in the mouth is initiated by acid etching of the tooth enamel with the source of the acid being a metabolite resulting from bacterial and enzymatic action on food particles in the oral cavity. It is generally understood that plaque, a soft accumulation on the tooth surface consisting of an organized structure of microorganisms, proteinaceous and carbohydrate substances, epithelial cells, and food debris, is a contributory factor in the development of various pathological conditions of the teeth and soft tissue of the oral cavity. The saccharolytic organisms of the oral cavity which are associated with the plaque, cause a demineralization or decalcification of the tooth beneath the plaque matrix through metabolic activity which results in the accumulation and localized concentration of organic acids. The etching and demineralization of the enamel may continue until they cause the formation of dental caries and periodontal disease within the oral cavity.

Teeth are cycled through periods of mineral loss and repair also as a result of pH fluctuations in the oral cavity. The overall loss or gain of mineral at a given tooth location determine whether the carious process will regress, stabilize or advance to an irreversible state. Numerous interrelated patient factors affect the balance between the remineralization and demineralization portions of this cycle and include oral hygiene, diet, and the quantity and quality of saliva. At the most extreme point in this process, a restoration will be required to repair the tooth.

Methods for the prevention and reduction of plaque and tooth decay within the oral cavity commonly involve the brushing of the teeth using toothpastes; mechanical removal of the plaque with dental floss; administration and rinsing of the oral cavity with mouthwashes, dentifrices, and antiseptics; remineralization and whitening of the teeth with fluoride agents, calcium agents and whitening agents, and various other applications to the oral cavity. Still missing in the field is a delivery system for the remineralization of teeth that would address the challenges of demineralization facing the teeth continually in the oral cavity.

A tooth that has reached an advanced stage of decay often requires installation of a dental restoration within the mouth. Half of all dental restorations fail within 10 years, and replacing them consumes 60% of the average dentist's practice time. Current dental materials are challenged by the harsh mechanical and chemical environment of the oral cavity with secondary decay being the major cause of failure. Development of stronger and longer-lasting biocompatible dental restorations by engineering novel dental materials or new resin systems, enhancing existing materials, and incorporating bioactive agents in materials to combat microbial destruction and to sustain the harsh mechanical and chemical environment of the oral cavity continues to be desired.

Despite numerous preventive oral health strategies, dental caries remains a significant oral health problem. More than 50% of children aged 6-8 will have dental caries and over 80% of adolescents over age 17 will have experienced the disease. Caries is also seen in adults both as a primary disease and as recurrent disease in already treated teeth. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have led to non-invasive remineralizing techniques to treat caries. However mechanical removal of diseased hard tissue and restoration and replacement of enamel and dentin is still the most widely employed clinical strategy for treating primary caries, restoring function to the tooth and also blocking further decay. In addition, nearly 50% of newly placed restorations are replacement of failed restorations. Clearly, restorative materials are a key component of treating this widespread disease.

The selection of a restorative material has significantly changed in recent years. While dental amalgam is still considered a cost effective material, there is a growing demand for tooth colored alternatives that will provide the same clinical longevity that is enjoyed by dental amalgam. The use of composite resins has grown significantly internationally as a material of choice for replacing amalgam as a restorative material for posterior restorations. This demand is partially consumer driven by preference for esthetic materials and the concerns regarding the mercury content of amalgam. It is also driven by dentists recognizing the promise of resin-based bonded materials in preserving and even supporting tooth structure. Numerous studies have suggested that bonding the restoration to the remaining tooth structure decreases fracture of multi-surface permanent molar preparations. Unfortunately, posterior teeth restored with direct resin restorative materials have a higher incidence of secondary caries. This has led to shorter clinical service and narrower clinical indications for composite resin materials compared to amalgam.

The most frequently cited reason for restoration replacement is recurrent decay around or adjacent to an existing restoration. It is likely that fracture at the margin due to polymerization shrinkage can lead to a clinical environment at the interface between a restoration and the tooth that collects dental plaque and thus promotes decay. Therefore, developing dental materials with anti-caries capability is a very high priority for extending the longevity of restorations.

Tooth Remineralization

Although natural remineralization is always taking place in the oral cavity, the level of activity varies according to conditions in the mouth as discussed. Incorporation of fluoride during the remineralization process has been a keystone for caries prevention. The effectiveness of fluoride release from various delivery platforms, including certain dental restorative materials has been widely demonstrated. It is commonly accepted that caries prevention from fluoride is derived from its incorporation as fluorapatite or fluoride enriched hydroxyapatite in the tooth mineral thereby decreasing the solubility of tooth enamel. More recently, anti-caries activity has been demonstrated using the strategy of increasing solution calcium and phosphate concentrations to levels that exceed the ambient concentration in oral fluids. In order for fluoride to be effective at remineralizing previously demineralized enamel, a sufficient amount of calcium and phosphate ions must be available. For every two (2) fluoride ions, ten (10) calcium ions and six (6) phosphate ions are required to form a cell of fluorapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆F₂). Thus the limiting factor for net enamel remineralization is the availability of calcium and fluoride in saliva.

The low solubility of calcium phosphates has limited their use in clinical delivery platforms, especially when in the presence of fluoride ions. These insoluble phosphates can only produce available ions for diffusion into the enamel in an acidic environment. They do not effectively localize to the tooth surface and are difficult to apply in clinically usable forms. Because of their intrinsic solubility, soluble calcium and phosphate ions can only be used at very low concentrations. Thus they do not produce concentration gradients that drive diffusion into the subsurface enamel of the tooth. The solubility challenge is exacerbated by the even lower solubility of calcium fluoride phosphates.

Several commercially available approaches exist using calcium and phosphate preparations that have been commercialized into various dental delivery models. These have been reportedly compounded to overcome the limited bioavailability of calcium and phosphate ions for the remineralization process. The first technology uses casein phosphopeptide (CCP) stabilized with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) (RECALDENT® CCP-ACP of Cadbury Enterprises Pte. Ltd.). It is hypothesized that the casein phosphopeptide can facilitate the stabilization of high concentrations of ionically available calcium and phosphate even in the presence of fluoride. This formulation binds to pellicle and plaque and while the casein phosphopeptide prevents the formation of dental calculus, the ions are available to diffuse down the concentration gradient to subsurface enamel lesions facilitating remineralization. As compared to the CCP-ACP, in the composition of the invention, biologically available ions are available due to the fact that the salts are already solvated in the microcapsule of the invention. Amorphous calcium phosphate is not soluble in water or saliva. Although the manufacturer claims release of bioavailable ions from amorphous calcium phosphate, it is not as a result of the dissolution of the complex. A second technology (ENAMELON®) uses unstabilized amorphous calcium phosphate. Calcium ions and phosphate ions are introduced as a dentifrice separately in a dual chamber device forming amorphous calcium phosphate in-situ. It is proposed that formation of the amorphous complex promotes remineralization. A third approach uses a so-called bioactive glass (NOVAMIN® of NovaMin Technology Inc.) containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate. It is proposed that the glass releases calcium and phosphate ions that are available to promote remineralization. More recently dental composite formulations have been compounded using zirconia-hybridized ACP that may have the potential for facilitating clinical remineralization.

While the Recaldent® and Enamelon® preparations have both in-situ and in-vivo evidence suggesting enhanced remineralization, these are topically applied and do not specifically target the most at risk location for recurrent caries at the tooth restoration interface. While the bioactive glass and the zirconia-hybridized-ACP filler technologies have potential, they are relatively inflexible in terms of the range of formulations in which they might be used due to the challenges of dealing with brittle fillers and some of the limitations on controlling filler particle size.

Another approach taken to decrease caries in the oral cavity is the limiting of demineralization of enamel and bone by drinking water fluoridation. It has been shown that the fluoride contained in drinking water incorporates to some extent into hydroxyapatite, the major inorganic component of enamel and bone. Fluoridated hydroxyapatite is less susceptible to demineralization by acids and is thus seen to resist the degradation forces of acidic plaque and pocket metabolites. In addition, fluoride ion concentration in saliva is increased through consumption of fluoridated drinking water. Saliva thus serves as an additional fluoride ion reservoir and in combination with buffering salts naturally found in salivary fluid, fluoride ions are actively exchanged on the enamel surface, further offsetting the effects of demineralizing acid metabolites.

Notwithstanding the established benefits of fluoride treatment of teeth, fluoride ion treatment can result in irregular spotting or blotching of the teeth depending on the individual, whether administered through drinking water or by topically applied fluoride treatment. This effect is known to be both concentration related and patient specific. In addition, the toxicology of fluoride is being studied as to its long term effect on human health. Desired is a targeted approach of fluoridation in the oral cavity.

Another approach to limiting the proliferation of microflora in the oral environment is through topical or systematic application of broad-spectrum antibacterial compounds. Reducing the number of oral microflora in the mouth results in a direct reduction or elimination of plaque and pocket accumulation together with their damaging acidic metabolite production. The major drawback to this particular approach is that a wide variety of benign or beneficial strains of bacteria are found in the oral environment which may be killed by the same antibacterial compounds in the same manner as the harmful strains. In addition, treatment with antibacterial compounds may select for certain bacterial and fungi, which may then become resistant to the antibacterial compound administered and thus proliferate, unrestrained by the symbiotic forces of a properly balanced microflora population. Thus the application or administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics alone is ill-advised for the treatment of caries and a more specific, targeted approach is desired.

Tooth Whitening

Cosmetic dental whitening or bleaching has become extremely desirable to the general public. Many individuals desire a “bright” smile and white teeth, and consider dull and stained teeth cosmetically unattractive. Unfortunately, without preventive or remedial measures, stained teeth are almost inevitable due to the absorbent nature of dental material. Everyday activities such as eating, chewing, or drinking certain foods and beverages (in particular coffee, tea, and red wine) and smoking or other oral use of tobacco products cause undesirable staining of surfaces of teeth. Extrinsic staining of the acquired pellicle arises as a result of compounds such as tannins and polyphenolic compounds which become trapped in and tightly bound to the proteinaceous layer on the surfaces of teeth. This type of staining can usually be removed by mechanical methods of tooth cleaning. In contrast, intrinsic staining occurs when staining compounds penetrate the enamel and even the dentin or arise from sources within the tooth. The chromogens or color causing substances in these materials become part of the pellicle layer and can permeate the enamel layer. Even with regular brushing and flossing, years of chromogen accumulation can impart noticeable tooth discoloration. Intrinsic staining can also result from microbial activity, including that associated with dental plaque. This type of staining is not amenable to mechanical methods of tooth cleaning and chemical methods are required.

Without specifically defining the mechanism of action of the present invention, the compositions, products and methods of the present invention enable the precipitation of salts onto the surfaces of the teeth in the oral cavity and make the salts available for adherence to the tooth surface and remineralization of the teeth. The mineralizing salts are deposited in the interstitial spaces of the teeth, making the teeth smoother, increasing the reflection of light from the surface of the teeth and thereby giving the teeth a brighter, more lustrous appearance and whiter visual effect.

Tooth whitening compositions generally fall into two categories: (1) gels, pastes, varnishes or liquids, including toothpastes that are mechanically agitated at the stained tooth surface in order to affect tooth stain removal through abrasive erosion of stained acquired pellicle; and (2) gels, pastes, varnishes or liquids that accomplish the tooth whitening effect by a chemical process while in contact with the stained tooth surface for a specified period, after which the formulation is removed. In some cases, the mechanical process is supplemented by an auxiliary chemical process which may be oxidative or enzymatic. Initially, tooth whitening had been performed at the dentist's office. Less expensive at-home dental whitening kits have become available, such as whitening strips and whitening trays that come in either single compartment or dual compartment systems.

Both in-office and at-home tooth whitening typically involves the application of a peroxide containing composition to the surface of the tooth to achieve the desired whitening effect. The majority of most in-office and at-home tooth whitening compositions act by oxidation. These compositions are applied directly by a patient in a tooth-bleaching tray, held in place in the mouth for contact times, sometimes for periods of half an hour several times per day; or of greater than 60 minutes per day, and sometimes as long as 8 to 12 hours. The slow rate of bleaching is, in large part, the consequence of formulations that are developed to maintain stability of the oxidizing composition. Aqueous tooth whitening gels have proven desirable due to the hydrating effects on the structure of the tooth, reducing the likelihood of tooth sensitivity.

The most commonly used oxidative compositions contain the hydrogen peroxide precursor carbamide peroxide which is mixed with an anhydrous or low-water content, hygroscopic viscous carrier containing glycerine and/or propylene glycol and/or polyethylene glycol. When contacted by water, carbamide peroxide dissociates into urea and hydrogen peroxide. The latter has become the tooth bleaching material of choice due to its ability to whiten teeth faster than higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide.

An alternative source of hydrogen peroxide is sodium percarbonate and this has been used in a silicone polymer product that is painted onto the teeth forming a durable film for overnight bleaching procedures. The peroxide is slowly released for up to 4 hours.

Associated with the slow rate of bleaching-in the hygroscopic carrier, the currently available tooth-bleaching compositions cause tooth sensitization in over 50% of patients. Tooth sensitivity is believed to result from the movement of fluid through the dentinal tubes toward nerve endings in the tooth. This movement is enhanced by the carriers for the carbamide peroxide. It has been determined that glycerine, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol can each give rise to varying amounts of tooth sensitivity following exposure of the teeth to heat, cold, overly sweet substances, and other causative agents.

Hydrogen peroxide tooth bleaching formulations have limitations in addition to tooth sensitivity. Until recent years, stable aqueous hydrogen peroxide tooth bleaching gels have been virtually non-existent. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent and an unstable compound that decomposes readily over time into water and oxygen. Certain chemical and physical influences in the oral cavity can accelerate the rate of decomposition and need to be controlled for a stable tooth whitening gel to exist. Temperature, pH and errant metal ions all have a profound effect on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, particularly in an aqueous formula.

One advantage of the compositions of the invention is the decrease or elimination of tooth sensitivity of the patient. When used in conjunction with current tooth bleaching products, the microcapsules of the invention release salt ions that precipitate as salts in the oral cavity and mineralize the open dentin tubules of the teeth thereby decreasing tooth sensitivity to the oxidative tooth bleaching product.

Whitening systems on the market include two-part systems that require mixing of the components upon administration and single part compositions that are faster and easier to administer and generally preferred for in-office bleaching by dentists. Two-part systems include products such as dual barrel syringes, liquid hydrogen peroxide/powder systems and whitening strips. Single component tooth bleaching compositions prefer room temperature storage conditions in order to eliminate costly and inconvenient storage problems. The pH of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening composition also has great bearing on the stability of the formulation. The two-part systems demonstrate superior shelf life stability. Formulations that contain hydrogen peroxide solutions are strongly acidic and maintain their stability in acidic pH formulas. Stable aqueous hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening gels can be formulated in the acid pH range. However, bleaching compositions in the acidic pH range (pH 2.0-5.5) are prone to the demineralization of dental enamel by the solubilizing of calcium ions from the tooth surface. This reduction in surface enamel leads to tooth sensitivity and discomfort for the patient. By incorporating the compositions of the invention into tooth bleaching products or utilizing them in conjunction with tooth bleaching products, the microcapsules of the invention can modify the pH level in the oral cavity to cause acceleration of the bleaching process.

Many of the available products are time-consuming and limited in their effectiveness and subject the user to various physical discomforts. More importantly, it has been shown that prolonged exposure of teeth to whitening compositions, as practiced at present, has a number of adverse effects in addition to that of tooth sensitivity. Over time, any of the peroxides known in the art to achieve a desired tooth bleaching effect will function as calcium chelating agents. Other examples of chelation agents often found in tooth whitening products include EDTA and its salts, citric acid and its salts, gluconic acid and its salts, alkali metal pyrophosphates and alkali metal polyphosphates. Solubilization of calcium from the enamel layer can occur at a pH less than 5.5 with associated demineralization. The chelating agents will penetrate the intact enamel and dentin so as to reach the pulp chamber of a vital tooth thereby risking damage to pulpal tissue. Other adverse effects include dilution of the bleaching compositions with saliva in the oral cavity with resulting leaching from the dental tray and subsequent digestion by the user.

It has been shown that the rate of whitening can be increased by increasing the temperature of the hydrogen peroxide system, where increase of 10° C. can double the rate of reaction. Consequently, there exist a number of procedures that utilize high-intensity light to raise the temperature of the hydrogen peroxide to accelerate the rate of bleaching of the teeth. Other approaches to heating the hydrogen peroxide have been described such as the heating of dental instruments. Contemporary approaches and literature have focused on accelerating peroxide bleaching with simultaneous illumination of the anterior teeth with various sources having a range of wavelengths and spectral power, for example, halogen curing lights, plasma arc lamps, lasers and light-emitting diodes. Some products that are used in light activated whitening procedures contain ingredients that serve as photo sensitizers that claim to aid the energy transfer from the light to the peroxide gel and are often colored materials, for example carotene and manganese sulfate. However, excessive heating can cause irreversible damage to the dental pulp. In addition, the literature for in vitro and clinical studies and actual results demonstrate that the actual effect of light on tooth whitening is limited, conflicting and controversial.

There is thus a need for improved compositions, methods and products that overcome the limitations of the prior art. The challenge remains to create a tooth whitening and remineralization technology platform for incorporating stable and effective tissue remineralization ions that can be incorporated into a myriad of dental materials and variety of products. Such a delivery platform would facilitate the formulation of dental products capable of remineralization of the teeth. The compositions, products and methods of the current inventions as described herein satisfy these and other needs. The ultimate impact is a reduction in recurrent caries, the most prevalent reason for restoration replacement; whitening of the teeth; and resulting improvement in overall strength and health of the teeth in the oral cavity.

Consumer products using therapeutic and non-therapeutic materials. There are also broad classes of cleaning products, solvents, detergents, dishwashing liquids, personal care products, fabric care products, odor related materials, creams, gels, and foams for personal care or home care, hair care products, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, deodorants, skin care products, cosmetic products, insect control materials, industrial materials, and absorptive materials including diapers, absorbent paper, animal waste absorbents, and other materials in common usage. Many of these products could benefit from the addition of additives or therapeutics. However, adding such components to these materials, to date, is difficult or problematic for stability reasons or for degradation of the additive or of the product themselves.

There exists a broad need for improved compositions and methods useful for therapeutic and non-therapeutic agent delivery. In particular, there is a need for an improved microcapsules, encapsulating an aqueous buffer solution, for delivering agents within carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the description herein and desire to provide improved therapeutic products, the present invention provides compositions and methods that deliver a buffered therapeutic agent in a controlled fashion. Also presented are methods for using such compositions in the treatment and prevention of a wide variety of conditions resulting from microorganisms. The invention also provides compositions and products for antimicrobial coatings. More particularly, the present invention provides a composition comprising aqueous buffered solutions of additives or therapeutic agents encapsulated in a semi-permeable polymer shell that allows the release of additive or agents to be delivered. The microcapsules can be incorporated into a variety of products as discussed herein, and can be prepared by any generally known microencapsulation method, but preferably by surfactant-free inverse emulsion.

More particularly, the invention includes a composition containing polymer microencapsulated solutions of aqueous buffered additives provided within a carrier. Further, the rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the microcapsules can be designed in a single type of microcapsule and in a product containing a number of different types of microcapsules. This results in controlled time release of the additive, thereby allowing release of the additive over a prolonged period of time

In a preferred embodiment, a microcapsule formulation comprising a plurality of microcapsules and a carrier, each of said microcapsules having a semi-permeable shell and encapsulating therein a buffered solution and an additive, wherein said buffered solution is in contact with the semi-permeable shell, and a carrier, wherein the microcapsules are substantially disposed within the carrier.

In a preferred embodiment, the additive is a solute within the buffered solution. In certain embodiments, the buffered solution is an aqueous solution.

In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation, wherein said additive is selected from the group consisting of: an antimicrobial agent, antifungal agent, antibacterial agent, antiviral agent, antiparasitic agent, pesticide, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anticancer agent, anti-inflammatory, antiplaque, desensitizing agent, a dye, a colorant, a deodorant, a flavorant, a fabric softener, a detergent, a soap, a drying agent, a wetting agent, and a perfume or scented agent.

In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation according to the embodiment above, wherein the anitimicrobial agents are selected from the group consisting of: natural antimicrobial agents, beta lactam antibiotics such as penicillins or cephalosporins, protein synthesis inhibitors, aminoglycosides, macrolides, ketolides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and polypeptides; penicillins include: penicillin G, procaine penicillin, benzathine penicillin, and penicillin V; cephalosporins include: cefacetrile, cefadroxil, cephalexin, cefaloglycin, cefalonium, cefaloridine, cefalotin, cefapirin, cefatrizine, cefazaflur, cefazedone, cefazolin, cefradine, cefroxadine, ceftezole, cefaclor, cefonicid, cefprozil, cefuroxime, cefuzonam, cefmetazole, cefotetan and cefoxitin; aminoglycosides include, but are not limited to, amikacin, arbekacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, netilmicin, paromomycin, rhodostreptomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and apramycin; macrolides include: azithromycin, clarithromycin, dirithromycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin, and telithromycin; ketolides include, but are not limited to, telithromycin, cethromycin, solithromycin, spiramycin, ansamycin, oleandomycin, carbomycin and tylosin; naturally occurring tetracyclines include: tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, and demeclocycline; semi-synthetic tetracyclines include, but are not limited to, doxycycline, lymecycline, meclocycline, methacycline, minocycline and rolitetracycline; polypeptides include, but are not limited to, actinomycin, bacitracin, colistin, and polymyxin B; synthetic antimicrobial agents include: sulphonamides, cotrimoxazole, quinolones, antivirals, antifungals, anticancer drugs, antimalarials, antituberculosis drugs, antileprotics and antiprotozoals; sulphonamide antibacterials may include: sulfamethoxazole, sulfisomidine, sulfacetamide, sulfadoxine, dichlorphenamide, and dorzolamide; sulphonamide diuretics include: bumetanide, chlorthalidone, clopamide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, mefruside, metolazone, and xipamide; sulphonamide anticonvulsants include, but are not limited to, acetazolamide, ethoxzolamide, sultiame and zonisamide; sulfonamide therapeutic agents include: celecoxib, darunavir, probenecid, sulfasalazine, sumatriptan, and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation according to the above embodiment, wherein the antifungal agent is selected from the group consisting of: polyene type, amphotericin B, candicidin, filipin, hamycin, natamycin, nystatin and rimocidin; imidazole, triazole, and thiazole types which include: bifonazole, butoconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, fenticonazole, isoconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, omoconazole, oxiconazole, sertaconazole, sulconazole, tioconazole, albaconazole, fluconazole, isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, ravuconazole, terconazole, voriconazole and abafungin; echinocandins including: anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation according to the above embodiments, wherein the antibacterial additive is selected from the group consisting of: copper (II) compounds including: copper (II) chloride, fluoride, sulfate and hydroxide, zinc ion sources including: zinc acetate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc glycinate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate and sodium zinc citrate, phthalic acid and salts thereof including: magnesium monopotassium phthalate, hexetidine, octenidine, sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, domiphen bromide, alkylpyridinium chlorides including: cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (including combinations of CPC with zinc and/or enzymes), tetradecylpyridinium chloride and N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride, iodine, halogenated carbanilides, halogenated salicylanilides, benzoic esters, halogenated diphenyl ethers, and mixtures thereof diphenyl ether inscluding: 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether (Triclosan) and 2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dibromodiphenyl ether; allylamines agents including: butenafine, naftifine, terbinafine, and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation of the above embodiments, wherein the antiparasitic agent is selected from the group consisting of: Broad-spectrum, Nitazoxanide, Antiprotozoals Melarsoprol, Eflornithine, Metronidazole, Tinidazole, Miltefosine, Antihelminthic, Antinematodes, Mebendazole, Pyrantel pamoate, Thiabendazole, Diethylcarbamazine, Ivermectin, Anticestodes, Niclosamide, Praziquantel, Albendazole, Antitrematodes, Antiamoebics, Rifampin and Amphotericin B; Fumagillin, alinia, benznidazole, daraprim, humatin, iodoquinol, nitazoxanide, paromomycin, pyrimethamine, tindamex, tinidazole, yodoxin, and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation wherein the carrier is a soap, a laundry detergent, an antibacterial cleaning product, an antifungal cleaning product, a skin-care product, a shampoo, a conditioner, a hair gel, or a hair dye.

In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation wherein said plurality of microcapsules comprises a first microcapsule and a second microcapsule, said first microcapsule having a different property than said second microcapsule. In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation wherein the first microcapsule is formed from a different polymer than the second microcapsule. In a further preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation wherein the first microcapsule has a different release profile than the second microcapsule. In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation wherein the first microcapsule encapsulates a first additive and the second microcapsule encapsulates a different second additive. In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsule formulation wherein the first and second microcapsules encapsulate the same additive.

A preferred embodiment is directed towards a method of manufacturing a microcapsule comprising: contacting an aqueous buffered solution comprising an additive to an oil phase, a polymer, and an emulsifying agent, forming microcapsules through a surfactant-free inverse emulsion of water in oil, wherein the polymer substantially forms a semi-permeable shell around the aqueous buffered solution.

In a preferred embodiment, the method of manufacture of a microcapsule, wherein the oil phase is a hydrophobic oil; and wherein the emulsifying agent that serves to sterically stabilize the dispersed phase. In a preferred embodiment, the method wherein the oil phase is methyl benzoate.

In a preferred embodiment, methods of manufacturing the microcapsule, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: acrylic polymers, alkyl resins, aminoplasts, coumarone-indene resins, epoxy resins, fluoropolymers, phenolic resins, polyacetals, polyacetylenes, polyacrylics, polyalkylenes, polyalkenylenes, polyalkynylenes, polyamic acids, polyamides, polyamines, polyanhydrides, polyarylenealkenylenes, polyarylenealkylenes, polyarylenes, polyazomethines, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazinones, polybenzoxazoles, polybenzyls, polycarbodiimides, polycarbonates, polycarboranes, polycarbosilanes, polycyanurates, polydienes, polyester-polyurethanes, polyesters, polyetheretherketones, polyether-polyurethanes, polyethers, polyhydrazides, polyimidazoles, polyimides, polyimines, polyisocyanurates, polyketones, polyolefins, polyoxadiazoles, polyoxides, polyoxyalkylenes, polyoxyarylenes, polyoxymethylenes, polyoxyphenylenes, polyphenyls, polyphosphazenes, polypyrroles, polypyrrones, polyquinolines, polyquinoxalines, plysilanes, polysilazanes, polysiloxanes, polysilsesquioxanes, polysulfides, polysulfonamides, polysulfones, polythiazoles, polythioalkylenes, polythioarylenes, polythioethers, polythiomethylenes, polythiophenylenes, polyureas, polyurethanes, polyvinyl acetals, polyvinyl butyrals, polyvinyl formals, and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the polymer is an amphiphilic polyurethane polymer having a molecular weight between 1,000 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol.

In a preferred embodiment, a method of manufacture of a microcapsule as provided herein, wherein the buffer solution comprises: phosphate buffered saline which is a solution containing sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, or potassium chloride, or potassium phosphate; 3-([tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino) propane-sulfonic acid (TAPS); N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine (Bicine); tris(hydroxyl-methyl)methylamine (Tris); N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine (Tricine); 3-[N-Tris-(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (TAPSO); 4-2-hydroxy-ethyl-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES); 2-([tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino) ethanesulfonic acid (TES); 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS); piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (PIPES); dimethylarsinic acid (Cacodylate); saline sodium citrate (SSC); 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES); Phosphoric acid; citric acid; piperazine-N,N′-bis(3-propanesulfonic acid (PIPPS); piperazine-N,N′-bis(3-butanesulfonic acid) (PIPBS); N,N′-Diethylethylenediamine-N,N′-bis(3-propanesulfonic acid) (DESPEN); N,N′-di ethyl piperazine dihydrochloride (DEPP.2HCl); N,N,N′,N′-tetraethyl-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (TEEN.2HCl); N-2-Acetamidoiminodiacetic acid (ADA); 1,3-Bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propane hydrochloride (BIS-TRIS propane.HCl); N-2-acetamido-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (ACES); 3-(N-Morpholino)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (MOPSO); imidazole hydrochloride; 3-(N-morpholino)butanesulfonic acid (MOBS); 4-2-hydroxyethyl-1-piperazinepropane-sulfonic acid (HEPPS); N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine (TRICINE); glycine amide hydrochloride; Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride (TRIS hydrochloride); glycylglycine; Boric acid; cyclohexylaminoethanesulfonic acid (CHES); 3-(Cyclohexylamino)propane sulfonic acid (CAPS); N,N,N′,N′-tetraethylmethylene-diamine dihydrochloride (TEMN.2HCl); HCl and sodium citrate; citric acid and sodium citrate; acetic acid and sodium acetate; K₂HPO₄ and KH₂PO₄; Na₂HPO₄ and NaH₂PO₄; N-cyclohexyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid; sodium borate; and sodium hydroxide.

In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous buffer solution is at a pH of between 3 and 12.

In a preferred embodiment, a method of forming the microcapsules further comprising a diol added to the system to increase the molecular weight of an isocyanate functionalized polyurethane shell.

In certain preferred embodiments, the microcapsules are biodegradable.

In certain preferred embodiments, the microcapsule is non-biodegradable.

In certain methods, the emulsifying agent is in a continuous oil phase, said emulsifying agent sufficient to sterically stabilize the dispersed water droplets to allow the formation of interfacial polymerization to form the microcapsules.

In a preferred embodiment of a microcapsule formulation, wherein the microcapsule formulation is formulated into a shampoo, a conditioner, a hair gel, a hair foam, a shaving creme, a hair dye, a cleanser, a soap, a moisturizer, a paint, a lacquer, a nail polish, a detergent, an insecticide, an antiparasitic, an antifungal, an antibacterial, a deodorant, and a pesticide.

In a preferred embodiment of a microcapsule formulation, an additive to a microcapsule is selected from the group consisting of a sweetener selected from: natural or artificial, nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners, dextrose, polydextrose, sucrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, mannose, xylose, ribose, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup (including high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup solids), partially hydrolyzed starch, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, aspartame, neotame, saccharin and salts thereof, sucralose, dipeptidebased intense sweeteners, cyclamates, dihydrochalcones, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the additive is a biologically active additive. In a preferred embodiment, the additive is a peptide-based or peptide analog-based antimicrobial agent, which is embedded in a surface coating.

In a preferred embodiment of a microcapsule formulation, the additive in a microcapsule is a natural or synthetic flavorant selected from: flavoring oils, flavoring aldehydes, esters, alcohols, similar materials, and combinations thereof, vanillin, sage, marjoram, parsley oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon oil, oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate), peppermint oil, clove oil, bay oil, anise oil, eucalyptus oil, citrus oils, fruit oils and essences including those derived from lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, apricot, banana, grape, apple, strawberry, cherry, pineapple, bean- and nut-derived flavors such as coffee, cocoa, cola, peanut, and almond.

In a preferred embodiment of a microcapsule formulation, the additive is selected from the group consist of: menthol, menthyl acetate, menthyl lactate, camphor, eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, anethole, eugenol, cassia, oxanone, a-irisone, propenyl guaiethol, thymol, linalool, benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, N-ethyl-p-menthan-3-carboxamine, N,2,3trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1, 2-diol, cinnamaldehyde glycerol acetal (CGA), methone glycerol acetal (MGA), and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of a microcapsule formulation, an additive is selected from the group consist of: butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, herbal antioxidants, chlorophyll, melatonin, and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of a microcapsule formulation the additive is selected from the group consist of: Halogenated hydrocarbons selected from: salicylanilides, carbanilides, bisphenols, diphenyl ethers, anilides of thiophene carboxylic acids and chlorhexidines; Quaternary ammonium compounds selected from: alkyl ammonium, pyridinum, and isoquinolinium salts, and Sulfur active compounds selected from: thiuram sulfides and dithiocarbamates, and combinations thereof.

A preferred embodiment is directed towards a formulation comprising a carrier and a microcapsule, said microcapsule comprising at least one polymer substantially disposed as a shell around an aqueous buffered solution of at least one additive; wherein the microcapsule is disposed of within said carrier and remains inactive within said carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the formulation wherein the microcapsule is formed by a surfactant-free inverse emulsion interfacial polymerization by contacting the aqueous buffered solution with an oil phase, the at least one polymer, and an emulsifying agent. In a preferred embodiment, the formulation wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic polymer having a molecular weight of between 1,000 g/mol and 20,000 g/mol. In a preferred embodiment, the formulation further comprising a diol, an isocyanate, or both. In a further embodiment, the formulation wherein the oil phase is methyl benzoate and wherein the emulsifying agent is polyglyceryl-3-polyricinoleate.

A preferred embodiment is directed towards microcapsules, encapsulating buffered solution with self-replicating peptides; providing an enhanced stability for the peptide in the formulation

In a preferred embodiment, a microcapsule formulation is generated comprising a consumer care product, and a microcapsule providing for a delayed release of an active agent suitable for addressing the consumer care issue.

In a preferred embodiment, a microcapsule formulation is provided in a carrier that is a cosmetology product, including makeups, foundations, liners, lipsticks, blush, concealers, and perfumes.

In a preferred embodiment, microcapsules are formulated into personal care products, including moist tissues, hygiene products, deodorants, and antiperspirants.

In a preferred embodiment, microcapsules are formulated into a soap or cleaning product. Wherein the microcapsule may include a further cleaning agent, allowing for extended release of cleaning agents to a surface. In further embodiments, the microcapsule comprises a scented composition, a drying agent, an antibacterial, an antimicrobial, or an antifungal composition, or a combination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, a microcapsule formulation in a skin-care product such as a moisturizer, skin protectant, antibiotic agent, or topical wound dressing.

A preferred embodiment is directed towards a home care product for treating parasites or insects.

In a preferred embodiment a laundry detergent, providing a microcapsule having a fabric softener, a scented material, an antifungal, or combinations thereof.

A method of forming a hair care product comprising a microcapsule comprising: forming a plurality of semi-permeable microcapsules by surfactant-free inverse emulsion interfacial polymerization, wherein the microcapsules by contacting (a) water, (b) an oil phase, (c) an amphiphilic polyurethane polymer, and (d) an emulsifying agent, wherein the polymer substantially forms a semi-permeable shell layer around the water molecules, and; contacting the resulting microcapsules with an aqueous buffered solution containing an additive, suitable to impart the additive into the resulting microcapsule.

A further embodiment is directed towards a method of forming a microcapsule composition comprising a plurality of microcapsules: said plurality of microcapsules being formed by combining a polymer and at least one buffered aqueous solution comprising a therapeutic agent, by contacting: (a) said buffered solution containing the therapeutic agent, (b) an oil phase, (c) said polymer, and (d) an emulsifying agent, wherein the polymer substantially forms a semi-permeable shell around the buffered aqueous solution; and adding said plurality of microcapsules to a carrier.

In a preferred embodiment, said buffered solution is in contact with the semi-permeable shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an epifluorescent microscopic image of a microcapsule containing FITC-labeled lysozyme in PBS. The imaged microcapsule is approximately 7 micrometers in size.

FIG. 2 is a confocal fluorescent imaging scan of a microcapsule containing FITC-labeled lysozyme in PBS. The imaged microcapsule is approximately 7 micrometers in size. Without the use of a buffer solution, the lysozyme denatures and fluorescence is not observed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides aqueous buffered microcapsule compositions for delivering additives, including therapeutic and non-therapeutic agents, within a carrier. The non-limiting description below sets forth various embodiments of the subject compositions, and methods of making and using same, including for consumer care products, oral care products, skin care products, and other classes of products, using both therapeutic and additive or non-therapeutic materials.

Production of Microcapsules

In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention is formed by combining an aqueous buffered solution, an agent, an oil-soluble emulsifying agent, and at least one type of polymer which, when combined and upon mixing or agitation, form the microcapsules of the invention. As used herein, the term “microcapsules” includes tiny particles or droplets surrounded by a coating to give small capsules having useful properties. Microcapsules are sometimes referred to as microspheres, though a microcapsule of the invention need not be spherical in shape. The material inside the microcapsule shall be referred to herein by the synonymous terms “core” and “internal phase”, and the material surrounding the core is referred to herein by the synonymous terms “shell”, “wall”, “coating”, “membrane” and “exterior phase.” The shell need not be completely or uniformly placed around the core of the microcapsule, as long as substantially all of the core is surrounded by a polymer shell, as will be described further herein.

Preferably, the microcapsules of the invention have a diameter range of between 100 nanometers and 3 millimeters. More preferably, the size of the microcapsules is between 1 micron and 1 mm. In general, the preferable size of the microcapsule will be governed by the desired end use application. One parameter used to control the size of the microcapsules is by the amount and force of mixing or agitation of the emulsion. Other parameters to control the size of the microcapsules and components of the microcapsules will be discussed further below. The size of the instant microcapsules can be optimized so that a sufficient number of microcapsules are available to affect a therapeutic response, or to release a sufficient amount of the additive for non-therapeutic embodiments.

Methods for constructing microcapsules may be physical or chemical. Physical methods include pan coating, air-suspension coating, centrifugal extrusion, vibrational nozzle and spray-drying. Chemical methods include polymerization such as interfacial polymerization, in-situ polymerization and matrix polymerization. In interfacial polymerization, at least two monomers are dissolved separately in immiscible liquids. Upon interface between the liquids, rapid reaction occurs, creating a thin shell or wall of the microcapsule. In-situ polymerization is the direct polymerization of a single monomer carried out on the particle's surface. In matrix polymerization, a core material is embedded during formation of the microcapsule. Microcapsules might also be constructed by using sol-gel techniques, by aqueous or organic solution precipitation synthesis methods, complex coacervation, and by other methods known in the art.

A preferred method of preparing the instant microcapsules is a synthesis to generate microcapsules containing buffer solutions of additives or therapeutic agents, and in particular, antimicrobial agents. In order to encapsulate buffered solutions of biologically active additives in a microcapsule, a surfactant-free inverse emulsion of water in oil is preferably used. Any continuous oil phase can be used for the process of the invention. In one embodiment, hydrophobic oils are used as the continuous oil phase within the process with an emulsifying agent that serves to sterically stabilize the dispersed phase. One preferred oil phase of the invention is methyl benzoate. FIG. 1 is an epifluorescent microscopic image of a microcapsule containing FITC-labeled lysozyme in PBS. The imaged microcapsule is approximately 7 micrometers in size. FIG. 2 is a confocal fluorescent imaging scan of a microcapsule containing FITC-labeled lysozyme in PBS. The imaged microcapsule is approximately 7 micrometers in size.

A standard emulsion uses a surfactant to stabilize a dispersed droplet, whereas the present preferred method uses an emulsifying agent in a continuous oil phase to sterically stabilize the dispersed water droplets in order to allow an interfacial polymerization to occur. This causes an effective synthesis of polymer shells around the buffered therapeutic agent solution in the dispersed phase. The amphiphilic character of surfactants causes interference with the polymerization that needs to occur at the interface of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase that is necessary to generate a capsule. A surfactant also presents a problem in its affinity for ions. The polar hydrophilic head group could be attracted to certain types of the therapeutic agents or the ions contained in the capsule for buffering the biologically active additive. The presence of a surfactant decreases the percentage of, for example, ionic therapeutic agents that are truly bio available, effectively behaving as a chelation agent inactivating the release of the therapeutic agent from the capsule if the therapeutic agent is ionic in nature. Consequently, surfactant-free inverse emulsion interfacial polymerization is preferred as the method for forming the instant microcapsules of the invention.

Emulsifying Agents

The emulsifying agents preferred in the microcapsules of the invention are different from surfactants in that the emulsifying agents exclusively partition into the oil phase and are not surface active. Inherent in the concept of using surfactant-free inverse emulsions is that water droplets can be disrupted into small droplets, the size and size distribution of which are dependent on the form and amount of input energy, and the droplets formed survive transiently due to a rather sluggish growth rate. Although surfactant-free emulsions have been frequently applied in solvent extraction, emulsion polymerization, and food production such as oil-and-vinegar dressing production, very little attention has been paid to its fundamental properties for use in microencapsulating buffered aqueous therapeutic agent solution systems. The emulsifying agent sterically stabilizes droplets without interfering with interfacial polymerization.

Polymers

The microcapsules of the invention contain a shell comprised of at least one polymer, preferably with the shell being semi-permeable to particular therapeutic agents, whether in buffered solutions. As used herein, the terms “polymer” and “polymers” are intended to connote precursor polymer molecules having a preferable size in the range of 1,000 to 50,000 g/mole; more preferably from 1,500 to 20,000 g/mole; and more preferably from 1,500 to 8,000 g/mole. Larger polymers can be used, as well as smaller oligomers or pre-polymers, but the molecular weight of the polymer is controlled for practical uses in the desired product applications. Conceivably, monomers can be used as well in the method of the invention. A number of polymers can be combined into one microcapsule in order to produce an end use product having particularly desired release characteristics of the core components. Accordingly, two or more polymers can be combined together to generate a specific release profile, or to generate a shell that will rupture, biodegrade, or release the contents within the microcapsule through a semi-permeable shell, as desired.

In one embodiment of the invention, the microcapsule shell is designed with limited or substantially no permeability depending on its desired application. The impermeable shell is formed during synthesis by selecting particular polymers known to be impermeable to the particular therapeutic agents in the desired end use application. Such microcapsules may, for example, be synthesized for “burst” application as discussed herein. Such burst applications may be biodegradable, i.e. they will burst over time, or non-biodegradable, wherein they are intended to burst upon a mechanical application to the microcapsules.

In further embodiments, the microcapsules are non-biodegradable, but have a fast release profile, once outside of their carrier. For example, when the microcapsules are within a skin creme carrier, or within a soap based carrier, (as non-limiting examples of carriers) the release is tempered. However, upon application of the skin creme, or soap, the release from within the microcapsules is accelerated and results in a highly permeable surface to release the contents of the microcapsule. Any of the suitable carriers, as described herein, can be utilized for such an embodiment.

Alternatively biodegradable polymers can be used, wherein upon application of the microcapsule to a surface, the microcapsule will degrade and result in complete release of the microcapsule contents. In certain embodiments, the microcapsule is semipermeable and also degrades, thus allowing for a slow initial release followed by an eventual burst application to release the remaining contents of the microcapsule. In other embodiments, the microcapsule is non-permeable and only releases upon burst of the microcapsule.

Many classes of polymers can be used in the scope of the invention and the choice depends on the specific desired properties. Examples include, but are not limited to, acrylic polymers, alkyl resins, aminoplasts, coumarone-indene resins, epoxy resins, fluoropolymers, phenolic resins, polyacetals, polyacetylenes, polyacrylics, polyalkylenes, polyalkenylenes, polyalkynylenes, polyamic acids, polyamides, polyamines, polyanhydrides, polyarylenealkenylenes, polyarylenealkylenes, polyarylenes, polyazomethines, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazinones, polybenzoxazoles, polybenzyls, polycarbodiimides, polycarbonates, polycarboranes, polycarbosilanes, polycyanurates, polydienes, polyester-polyurethanes, polyesters, polyetheretherketones, polyether-polyurethanes, polyethers, polyhydrazides, polyimidazoles, polyimides, polyimines, polyisocyanurates, polyketones, polyolefins, polyoxadiazoles, polyoxides, polyoxyalkylenes, polyoxyarylenes, polyoxymethylenes, polyoxyphenylenes, polyphenyls, polyphosphazenes, polypyrroles, polypyrrones, polyquinolines, polyquinoxalines, plysilanes, polysilazanes, polysiloxanes, polysilsesquioxanes, polysulfides, polysulfonamides, polysulfones, polythiazoles, polythioalkylenes, polythioarylenes, polythioethers, polythiomethylenes, polythiophenylenes, polyureas, polyurethanes, polyvinyl acetals, polyvinyl butyrals, and polyvinyl formals. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the selection of the specific type of polymer will affect the composition and permeability characteristics of the subject microcapsules.

Buffers

Buffers have a vast significance in all areas of science. A buffered solution resists changes in pH when acids or bases are added or when dilution occurs. A buffer is a mixture of an acid and its conjugate base. There must be comparable amounts of the conjugate acid and base, within a factor of 10, to exert significant buffering. Buffers allow for the proper functioning of any biological system and its subcellular components such as proteins and peptide-based molecules. Nearly all biological systems depend on pH. For example, a buffer solution maintains the correct pH for enzymes in many organisms to work. Typically, enzymes function only under very precise conditions. If the pH moves outside of a narrow range, the enzymes slow or stop functioning and can denature. pH directly affects the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

In some cases, the buffering of a therapeutic agent solution is required and in other cases the buffering of a therapeutic agent solution is preferred to enhance shelf life and stability of a product. In some cases, the buffering of a therapeutic agent solution is preferred to gain a more substantive effect of the agent. The rate of therapeutic agent release is a critical factor in patient care. This invention provides methods and compositions targeted at the microencapsulation of a buffered therapeutic solution capable, for example, of a sustained, prolonged release of the therapeutic agent, a burst release of the therapeutic agent, or a selective variable rate of release of the therapeutic agent (e.g., a quick burst followed by sustained release, or sustained release followed by a quick burst).

Many classes of buffer solutions can be used in the invention, and the choice of buffer depends on the specific pH desired. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: Phosphate buffered saline which is a solution containing sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, and, in some formulations, potassium chloride and potassium phosphate; 3-([tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino) propane-sulfonic acid (TAPS); N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine (Bicine); tris(hydroxyl-methyl)methylamine (Tris); N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine (Tricine); 3-[N-Tris-(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (TAPSO); 4-2-hydroxy-ethyl-1-piperazineethane sulfonic acid (HEPES); 2-([tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino) ethanesulfonic acid (TES); 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS); piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (PIPES); dimethylarsinic acid (Cacodylate); saline sodium citrate (SSC); 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES); Phosphoric acid; citric acid; piperazine-N,N′-bis(3-propanesulfonic acid (PIPPS); piperazine-N,N′-bis(3-butanesulfonic acid) (PIPBS); N,N′-Diethylethylenediamine-N,N′-bis(3-propanesulfonic acid) (DESPEN); N,N′-di ethyl piperazine dihydrochloride (DEPP-2HCl); N,N,N′,N′-tetraethyl-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (TEEN-2HCl); N-2-Acetamidoiminodiacetic acid (ADA); 1,3-Bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propane hydrochloride (BIS-TRIS propane.HCl); N-2-acetamido-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (ACES); 3-(N-Morpholino)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (MOPSO); imidazole hydrochloride; 3-(N-morpholino)butanesulfonic acid (MOBS); 4-2-hydroxyethyl-1-piperazinepropane-sulfonic acid (HEPPS); N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine (TRICINE); glycine amide hydrochloride; Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride (TRIS hydrochloride); glycylglycine; Boric acid; cyclohexylaminoethanesulfonic acid (CHES); 3-(Cyclohexylamino)propane sulfonic acid (CAPS); N,N,N′,N′-tetraethylmethylene-diamine dihydrochloride (TEMN-2HCl); HCl and sodium citrate; citric acid and sodium citrate; acetic acid and sodium acetate; K₂HPO₄ and KH₂PO₄; Na₂HPO₄ and NaH₂PO₄; N-cyclohexyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid; sodium borate; and sodium hydroxide.

It will be known to those skilled in the art that the buffer pH depends on ionic strength and temperature. Compositions can be adjusted accordingly during the synthesis, storage and use of the microencapsulated buffer solution. Preferred embodiments utilize a buffer within the range of pH 3 to pH 12, with preferred pH ranges of between pH 4 and pH 11, and between pH 5 and pH 10. For example, it is known that certain compounds have an increased solubility at a specific pH, and so the buffer can be formulated to increase or decrease solubility, based on the desired result of the microcapsule.

Surfactant-Free Inverse Emulsion Polymerization

In a preferred embodiment of surfactant-free inverse emulsion polymerization, a very low molecular weight polyurethane is premixed into the continuous oil phase. Preferably, the molecular weight of the polyurethane is 1,500 to 20,000 g/mole, and more preferably from 1,500 to 8,000 g/mole. Due to the amphiphilic nature of the low molecular weight polyurethane, the polyurethane spends the majority of the time at the interface of the dispersed and continuous phases. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment utilizes an amphiphilic polyurethane, having a molecular weight from between 1,500 to 20,000 g/mol, and more particularly from between 1,500 to 8,000 g/mol.

In this embodiment, diol is added to the system to increase the molecular weight of an isocyanate functionalized polyurethane shell. A preferred diol is ethylene glycol. The diol ultimately leads to ethylene oxide linker units in the microcapsule chemical structure. It has been shown in industrial applications that ethylene oxide does not inhibit the flow of ions between electrodes. This approach is useful for understanding the structure-property relationship of the urethane on microcapsule permeability due to the ease with which the chemical structure can be varied in the synthesis of the microcapsules by simply changing the identity of the diol used in the polyurethane wall. In this embodiment, the ion permeability of the microcapsule shell is based on the chemical composition of the diols that act as spacer monomers. The following scheme represents the reaction used to synthesize the microcapsule shell of this embodiment.

The length of the ethylene oxide spacer in the microcapsule wall may be varied in order to control ion permeability of the membrane shell. Preferred embodiments include microcapsules using ethylene glycol (n=1) and from 1,4-butanediol (n=2). Preferred embodiments include microcapsules from diols where n=3 (1,6-hexanediol) or 4 (1,8-octanediol). Preferred embodiments include microcapsules from polymeric diols such as polyethylene glycol (also known as polyethylene oxide or polyoxyethylene). Preferred embodiments include polyol monomers capable of forming a crosslinked polymer microcapsule wall. Many classes of polyols can be used in the scope of the invention and the choice depends on the specific desired properties. Examples include, but are not limited to, pentaerythritol and glycerol.

In one embodiment, the microcapsule is biodegradable. The polyurethane prepolymer could, for example, have a block of a polyester added to it to enhance biodegradation. Polylactic acid or polylactide could be incorporated into the microcapsule chemical structure to control biodegradation of the microcapsule. Those of skill in the art will recognize the suitable biodegradable polymers, or combination of polymers sufficient to allow for degradation of the polymer shell.

A second characteristic influencing the permeability of the microcapsule membrane is the shell or wall thickness, which may be varied by varying the ratio of the mass of material used to synthesize the shell to the volume of the dispersed buffered therapeutic agent solution. At a constant stir rate, adding more material relative to the buffered aqueous therapeutic agent phase will lead to formation of thicker microcapsule walls. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a ratio of 1 gram of polyurethane to from 15 to 40 mL of aqueous buffer solution.

We can modify the permeability by increasing the thickness of the shell wall, resulting in a decreased permeability. We can decrease the thickness of the shell wall to increase permeability. Modification of the parameters for forming the microcapsules can impart these changes. For example, we can modify the ratios of the polymer to the oil, we can reduce the concentration of the polymer, we can increase or decrease the reaction temperature, etc.

Brittleness of the microcapsules. We can also impact rupture of the microcapsules by modifying the structure of the microcapsule to rupture based upon the brittleness of the microcapsule. A polymer that has any elasticity will resist rupture, and thus polymers that are intended to slow release and not burst, can be modified to be structured to reduce the risk of rupture, such as elasticity or thicker wall structure. By contrast, thin walled microcapsules, or those with brittle structure can be mechanically ruptured.

Embodiments of the materials of the invention can be formulated such that only one type of buffered agent is contained within the core of the microcapsule, or alternatively, a plurality of different types of buffered agents, and can be incorporated into one microcapsule.

In other embodiments, a plurality of microcapsules containing one type of buffered additive can be combined in a product with microcapsules containing other additives.

In certain embodiments, a first microcapsule is formulated with a first release profile and contains a first additive. A second microcapsules is formulated with a second release profile and contains either the same first additive or a second additive. This allows for a first release and a second release from a microcapsules composition of one or more additives. In certain embodiments, three, four, five, or more different microcapsule formulations can be included in a single formulation, each having the same or different release profile, and having the same or different additives encapsulated therein.

Loading of Microcapsules

In preferred embodiments, the microcapsules of the invention contain semi-permeable polymer shells wherein the permeability functions to release an additive or therapeutic agent out of the microcapsules and into the surrounding environment as a result of concentration gradients. Thus, embodiments are contemplated where already formed microcapsules having none or less than the maximum possible amount of the additive or therapeutic agent dissolved in the buffered solutions in the core can be charged with additional additive or therapeutic agent solution, herein referred to as “loading.” Loading also includes “recharging” of microcapsules with buffered solution without therapeutic agents in the presence of the target buffered therapeutic agent and appropriate concentration gradients. The new additive or therapeutic agent can be introduced into the core of partially loaded microcapsules or reintroduced into the core of empty microcapsules by immersing the microcapsules into buffered solutions of highly charged therapeutic agents where the concentration of the additive or therapeutic agent in the buffered solution is higher than the concentration of the additive or therapeutic agent in the buffer solution within the core of the microcapsules. The recharge rate of the microcapsules can depend on but is not limited to the following variables including the concentration gradients of the additive or therapeutic agents, the temperature and the release profile of the particular polymers of the product.

The method of loading a therapeutic agent into a microcapsule that contains only buffer solution is preferred when any heat above normal body temperature is needed in the formation of the microcapsule. This method avoids the use of heat that could cause a peptide-based therapeutic agent to denature.

The method of loading an additive into a microcapsule that contains only buffer solution is preferred when the temperature necessary to form the microcapsule is higher than an appropriate temperature for the additive. For example, where an additive is volatile at a temperature within range of the microcapsule formation, the additive might be gassed off, or become instable when forming the microcapsules. Accordingly, use of a semi-permeable microcapsule shell, and loading the additive to the microcapsule through a higher concentration gradient, as described above, is appropriate for loading of the additive. Those of skill in the art will recognize the particular structure and volatility of the additive and understand when such loading is necessary. Additionally, loading may be preferred wherein the addition of heat might degrade, damage, or modify the additive, but that loading, at a lower temperature, would prevent such occurrence.

Therapeutic Agents

As used herein, the term “therapeutic agent” means an agent (e.g., an atom, an ion, a salt, a molecule (such as an inorganic molecule, an organic molecule or a biomolecule (e.g., a peptide, a peptide analog or a protein)), a solid or a liquid) that brings about a beneficial effect to a mammal or any tissue or other subpart thereof.

Many classes of therapeutic agents can be used in the invention. Indeed, these therapeutic agents are envisioned for use in treating a wide array of conditions, such as demineralization of bone; weakness of bone, skin, hair and nails; drying, staining and cracking of skin; tooth sensitivity and discoloration; skin dehydration; and infections of all types. Examples of therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, the various agents set forth below.

Antimicrobial Agents

Antimicrobial agents are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoa. Antimicrobial agents can be in the form of a drug that is either microbiocidal or microbiostatic. Antimicrobial agents can be used outside the human body or on non-living objects. Antimicrobial agents that are drugs can come from either natural sources or can be synthetically prepared.

Antimicrobial agents can also be used in many different products, such as medical devices, wound dressings, fabrics, and numerous consumer products, both to protect the product itself (including the carrier) from antimicrobial growth or for public health, or cleaning purposes. Natural or synthetic antimicrobial materials have the potential to be included into other materials or used directly on product surfaces or contained within a surface coating.

Natural antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, beta lactam antibiotics such as penicillins or cephalosporins, protein synthesis inhibitors such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, ketolides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and polypeptides. Penicillins include, but are not limited to, penicillin G, procaine penicillin, benzathine penicillin, and penicillin V. Cephalosporins include, but are not limited to, cefacetrile, cefadroxil, cephalexin, cefaloglycin, cefalonium, cefaloridine, cefalotin, cefapirin, cefatrizine, cefazaflur, cefazedone, cefazolin, cefradine, cefroxadine, ceftezole, cefaclor, cefonicid, cefprozil, cefuroxime, cefuzonam, cefmetazole, cefotetan and cefoxitin. Aminoglycosides include, but are not limited to, amikacin, arbekacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, netilmicin, paromomycin, rhodostreptomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and apramycin. Macrolides include, but are not limited to, azithromycin, clarithromycin, dirithromycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin, and telithromycin. Ketolides include, but are not limited to, telithromycin, cethromycin, solithromycin, spiramycin, ansamycin, oleandomycin, carbomycin and tylosin. Naturally occurring tetracyclines include, but are not limited to, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, and demeclocycline. Semi-synthetic tetracyclines include, but are not limited to, doxycycline, lymecycline, meclocycline, methacycline, minocycline and rolitetracycline. Polypeptides include, but are not limited to, actinomycin, bacitracin, colistin, and polymyxin B. Synthetic antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, sulphonamides, cotrimoxazole, quinolones, antivirals, antifungals, anticancer drugs, antimalarials, antituberculosis drugs, antileprotics and antiprotozoals. Sulphonamide antibacterials may include, but are not limited to, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisomidine, sulfacetamide, sulfadoxine, dichlorphenamide, and dorzolamide. Sulphonamide diuretics include, but are not limited to, acetazolamide, bumetanide, chlorthalidone, clopamide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, mefruside, metolazone, and xipamide. Sulphonamide anticonvulsants include, but are not limited to, acetazolamide, ethoxzolamide, sultiame and zonisamide. Other sulfonamide therapeutic agents include, without limitation, celecoxib, darunavir, probenecid, sulfasalazine, and sumatriptan.

For example, use of antimicrobial agents would be helpful in soaps, detergents, cleaning sprays and the like. For example, a cleaning product contains a carrier and a cleaning agent within the carrier, and also a plurality of microcapsules. The carrier and cleaning agent treat a surface contacted by the carrier and reduce microbial populations. However, the microcapsules remain on the surface, or, bind to the surface, and can continue to release additional antimicrobial agents from the microcapsules.

Antifungal Agents

Common fungal infections include athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis. Fungi can also cause systemic infections like cryptococcal meningitis. Antifungals work by exploiting differences between mammalian and fungal cells to kill off the fungal organism without dangerous effects on the host. Unlike bacteria, both fungi and humans are eukaryotes. Other fungal issues are related to mold and the growth of mold or other fungi in damp conditions.

Antifungal agents can be of the polyene type which includes, but is not limited to, amphotericin B, candicidin, filipin, hamycin, natamycin, nystatin and rimocidin. Antifungal agents can be of the imidazole, triazole, and thiazole types which include, but are not limited to, bifonazole, butoconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, fenticonazole, isoconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, omoconazole, oxiconazole, sertaconazole, sulconazole, tioconazole, albaconazole, fluconazole, isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, ravuconazole, terconazole, voriconazole and abafungin. Antifungal agents can also be echinocandins which can include, but are not limited to, anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin.

Preferred embodiments for antifungal agents include microcapsule formulations that prevent the formation of mold. These formulations may be used on towels, carpets, mats, showers, saunas, drains, or with other areas or consumer products that see moisture. For example, materials impregnated with microcapsules, or compositions applied to the consumer product comprising the antifungal agent. Additional cleaning agents, soaps, detergents, and the like can also including antifungal agents. For example, a cleaning product contains a carrier and a cleaning agent within the carrier, and also a plurality of microcapsules. The carrier and cleaning agent treat a surface contacted by the carrier and reduce microbial and/or fungal populations. However, the microcapsules remain on the surface, or, bind to the surface, and can continue to release additional antifungal agents from the microcapsules, thus preventing the growth of the mold or mildew.

Antibacterial Agents

Host defense proteins and peptide-based antibiotic drugs can selectively target and puncture the bacterial cell membrane. Host defense proteins which are part of the innate immune system in the body represent a first line of defense against bacterial attack and primarily exist in the respiratory tract, urogenital tract, gastrointestinal track and epidermal tissues under the skin, all entry points for microbial pathogens in the body. These proteins kill bacteria by targeting bacterial membranes thereby generating an instability of the cellular contents and membrane, which results in the death of the bacteria. Examples include the treatment of bacterial skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, or the treatment of other blood stream infections, lung infections and oral mucositis.

An approach to limiting the proliferation of microflora in the oral environment is through topical or systematic application of broad-spectrum antibacterial compounds. The reduction of the number of oral microflora in the mouth results in a direct reduction or elimination of plaque and pocket accumulation together with their damaging acidic metabolite production. The major drawback of this particular approach is that a wide variety of benign or beneficial strains of bacteria are found in the oral environment which may be killed by the same antibacterial compounds in the same manner as the harmful strains. In addition, treatment with antibacterial compounds may select for certain bacterial and fungi, which may then become resistant to the antibacterial compound administered and thus proliferate, unrestrained by the symbiotic forces of a properly balanced microflora population. Thus, the application or administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics alone is ill-advised for the treatment of caries and a more specific, targeted approach is desired.

The appearance of strains of drug-resistant bacteria and the increased number of drug-resistant infections has necessitated new approaches to treat these infections. There are many antibiotics in development for treating resistant bacterial infections. Some of the emerging drugs are peptide-based drugs and peptide analog-drugs. An effective method of delivery in an aqueous solution would be improved by storage in a buffer solution in order to improve shelf life and stability, along with leading to a more substantive effect of the therapeutic agent.

Additional antibacterial agents include, without limitation, copper (II) compounds such as copper (II) chloride, fluoride, sulfate and hydroxide, zinc ion sources such as zinc acetate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc glycinate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate and sodium zinc citrate, phthalic acid and salts thereof such as magnesium monopotassium phthalate, hexetidine, octenidine, sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, domiphen bromide, alkylpyridinium chlorides such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (including combinations of CPC with zinc and/or enzymes), tetradecylpyridinium chloride and N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride, iodine, halogenated carbanilides, halogenated salicylanilides, benzoic esters, halogenated diphenyl ethers, and mixtures thereof. A particularly suitable non-ionic antibacterial agent is a diphenyl ether such as 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether (Triclosan) and 2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dibromodiphenyl ether. Antifungal agents can be of the allylamines type which includes, but is not limited to, amorolfin, butenafine, naftifine and terbinafine.

For example, use of antibacterial agents might be useful in cleaning supplies for hospital, personal care products, bandages, nursing homes, and the like. It is specifically envisioned that such agents would be helpful in soaps, detergents, cleaning sprays and the like. For example, a cleaning product contains a carrier and a cleaning agent within the carrier, and also a plurality of microcapsules. The carrier and cleaning agent treat a surface contacted by the carrier and reduce microbial and bacterial populations. However, the microcapsules remain on the surface, or, bind to the surface, and can continue to release additional antibacterial agents from the microcapsules that ensuring clean spaces without bacterial growth.

Antiviral Agents

Antivirals are used for specific viruses and are typically harmless to the host. Many available drugs available are created to treat infections by retroviruses such as HIV. Important antiretroviral drugs include the class of protease inhibitors. Herpes viruses, best known for causing cold sores and genital herpes, are usually treated with the nucleoside analogue acyclovir. Viral hepatitis is caused by five unrelated hepatotropic viruses and is also commonly treated with antiviral drugs depending on the type of infection. Influenza A and B viruses are important targets for the development new influenza treatments to overcome the resistance to existing neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir.

Antiparasitic or Pesticide Agents

Antiparasitics are a class of medications which are indicated for the treatment of infection by parasites, such as nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, infectious protozoa, and amoebae. Certain of these antiparasitic compounds are useful both in medications for treatment of specific parasites, but also in topical applications to prevent parasitic entry to a host. Similarly, destruction of the parasites before they can reach a host serves to reduce or eliminate host populations that might then transfer to a host.

Similarly, pesticides include agents targeting control of plant and animal life forms that are pests to human, animal companions and to agriculture. This may include herbicides for destruction of weeks and unwanted vegetation, insecticides for controlling insect populations, fungicides for mold or mildew control, disinfectants for preventing the spread of bacteria, or compounds for treating small animal pest populations.

Antiparasitic agents include, but are not limited to: Broad-spectrum, Nitazoxanide, Antiprotozoals, Melarsoprol (for treatment of sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei), Eflornithine (for sleeping sickness), Metronidazole (for vaginitis caused by Trichomonas), Tinidazole (for intestinal infections caused by Giardia lamblia), Miltefosine (for the treatment of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, currently undergoing investigation for Chagas disease), Antihelminthic, Antinematodes, Mebendazole (for most nematode infections), Pyrantel pamoate (for most nematode infections), Thiabendazole (for roundworm infections), Diethylcarbamazine (for treatment of Lymphatic filariasis), Ivermectin (for prevention of river blindness), Anticestodes, Niclosamide (for tapeworm infections, Praziquantel (for tapeworm infections), Albendazole (broad spectrum), Antitrematodes, Antiamoebics, such as: Rifampin and Amphotericin B; Antifungals, such as Fumagillin (for microsporidiosis), alinia, benznidazole, daraprim, humatin, iodoquinol, nitazoxanide, paromomycin, pyrimethamine, tindamex, tinidazole, yodoxin. There are numerous other known agents that are suitable for encapsulation herein.

Antimicrobial Coatings

A surface can be made antimicrobial by providing a coating containing an antibacterial agent that inhibits or diminishes the ability of a microorganism to grow on the surface of a material. Surface contamination has become recognized as a health risk in various settings including clinical, industrial and home. Antimicrobial coatings have been commonly used in the healthcare industry for sterilizing medical devices to prevent hospital-associated infections. Medical devices, surgical instruments, tubing, suture, tape, bandaging, linens and clothing provide a potential environment for many bacteria, fungi, and viruses to grow when in contact with the human body which allows for the transmission of infectious disease. Likewise, implantable devices such as pacemakers and subcutaneous rods provide environments for microbial growth, and would pose less risk of infection if treated with an antimicrobial coating. Antimicrobial surfaces can be functionalized in a variety of different processes. A coating may be applied to a surface that has a chemical compound which is toxic to a microorganism. Other surfaces may be functionalized by attaching a polymer or polypeptide to its surface. In other cases, it is advantageous to have an encapsulated aqueous solution of a peptide-based or peptide analog-based antimicrobial agent embedded in a surface coating.

Specific Therapeutic Agents

Anticoagulants and Antithrombotics: Certain medical procedures expose patients to life-threatening blood clots. Patients often receive anticoagulant drugs that reduce or prevent the blood from clotting. Anticoagulant therapy is regularly administered and is a useful aid in the recovery of most patients. However, the use of anticoagulants increases the risk of bleeding, while preserving a sufficient supply of blood. Peptide-based and peptide analog-based drugs have exhibited promise in the maintenance of the antithrombosis/bleeding balance in the patient. This is of value in procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary arterial bypass graft.

Anticoagulants include, but are not limited to, coumadins, heparins and its derivatives, low molecular weight heparins, synthetic pentasaccharide inhibitors such as fondaparinux and Idraparinux, direct factor Xa inhibitors, such as rivaroxaban and apixaban and direct thrombin inhibitors including, but not limited to, hirudin, lepirudin, bivalirudin, argatroban and dabigatran.

Anticancer Agents: Therapeutic agents can also be anticancer agents, which include, but are not limited to, alkylating agents such as mechlorethamine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, and ifosfamide. Anticancer agents can be anti-metabolitesor plant alkaloids or terpenoids which include, but are not limited to, vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine and vindesine. Anticancer agents can include podophyllotoxin or taxanes. Anticancer agents can be topoisomerase inhibitors including, but not limited to, the camptothecins irinotecan and topotecan, amsacrine, etoposide, etoposide phosphate, and teniposide. Anticancer agents can be cytotoxic antibiotics that include, but are not limited to, actinomycin, anthracyclines, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, valrubicin, idarubicin, epirubicin, bleomycin, plicamycin, and mitomycin. Antiprotozoals can include, but are not limited to, eflornithine, furazolidone, melarsoprol, metronidazole, ornidazole, paromomycin sulfate, pentamidine, pyrimethamine and tinidazole.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Anti-inflammatory agents include, but are not limited to, flucinolone and hydrocortisone, ketorolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, etodolac, indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, piroxicam, nabumetone, aspirin, diflunisal, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, oxyphenbutazone and phenylbutazone.

Antiplaque Agents: Antiplaque (e.g., plaque disrupting) agents can be a form of therapeutic agent. Suitable antiplaque agents include, without limitation, glucoamylase and glucose oxidase.

Desensitizing Agents: Desensitizing, or tooth sensitivity-protecting agents, can be therapeutic agents. Desensitizing agents include, without limitation, potassium salts such as potassium citrate, potassium tartrate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate.

Systemic Analgesics: Systemic analgesics include, but are not limited to, aspirin, codeine, acetaminophen, sodium salicylate and triethanolamine salicylate.

Drug Delivery and Indications

Subcutaneous Drug Delivery

Biodegradable polymeric systems represent a promising method for delivering many therapeutic agents, including, for example, peptides and peptide analogs. Some polymers undergo a sol-gel transition once administered. A gel can form in situ in response to one or a combination of stimuli including UV-irradiation, pH change, temperature change, and solvent exchange. Some polymeric systems have several advantages over conventional methods, including ease of manufacturing, ease of administration, and biodegradability. There have been challenges, however, to control the release profiles of the incorporated therapeutic agents. It would be advantageous to be able to store a peptide-based or peptide analog-based drug in a microencapsulated buffer solution, wherein the semi-permeable microcapsule could control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. The microcapsule can be made to biodegrade along with the polymer system in which it is embedded.

Controlled Release

The microcapsules and products of the invention can be designed to have different time release profiles, in such a way as to permit controlled time release, also known as sustained release or long-term release, of the therapeutic agents or constituents to effectuate various desired results. Thus, various additives or components of the invention can be released at varying periods of time from each microcapsule. A plurality of microcapsules that contain different concentrations can achieve, in effect, a targeted therapeutic agent release profile.

Furthermore, the ratios of release times in different types of microcapsules can be incorporated into the design of a single product to optimize the permeability and concentration of the specific biologically active additives or constituents of each type of microcapsule in the product relative to one another and relative to the environment where they are required. Such design enables a product that can deliver a number of buffered therapeutic agents over a controlled time to a particular targeted site without the need for numerous administrations of a product to a patient, thereby minimizing the treatment regimen of the patient.

For example, a dental product can provide an antibacterial treatment to a targeted tooth surface in the oral cavity. For example, fillings, sealants and cements can be designed to contain the controlled release microcapsules of the invention and to release buffered antimicrobial agents over time to the area of contact with the tooth or tooth material. Sustained release dosage forms of dental products avoid the necessity of frequently administering an active while at the same time achieving a desired level of anti-caries activity in the oral cavity.

In a further example, a skin care product might have a salicylic acid in a first set of microcapsules, that has an immediate release, and then a moisturizing agent that has a sustained release. Thus, the salicylic acid would be effective immediately, and the moisturizing agent would moisturize over the period of sustained release.

A further example might be towards a cleaning product, having a fast release of an antibacterial composition, and then a sustained release of a scent. Accordingly, the antibacterial would clean the surface, and the scent would continue to release according to the sustained release profile of the microcapsule. In other embodiments, the antibacterial composition might be in a slow release format, to ensure continual application of the material to eliminate bacteria from the surface being cleaned, while a scent is in a separate microcapsule having the same or different release profile.

One method for controlling release is selecting a shell polymer having desired permeability. Another method to control permeability and release profile is to control the thickness of the shell layer during synthesis of the microcapsules as described herein.

The concentration of agents within the microcapsule can also be varied to effect permeability. In a preferred embodiment, buffered therapeutic agents and combinations thereof are incorporated in the microcapsules. Each microcapsule is synthesized with a buffered aqueous solution of a therapeutic agent with a specific targeted range of concentrations.

For example, tablets comprising the microcapsules of the invention can be produced, wherein the therapeutic agent is not all immediately absorbed, but instead is released gradually and continuously over a period of time from administration. For prolonged shelf life and substantive effects, the therapeutic agent is preferentially stored in a buffered solution.

In the oral cavity, an instant release or “burst” release of the microcapsules can result upon mechanical agitation of the teeth, such as by use of toothbrushes or dental floss in the oral cavity; by regular chewing, grinding, gritting, clenching or clamping of the teeth or gums; by tongue motion or pressure of the tongue; or by swishing or gargling of liquids by the jaw muscles and motion of other muscles within the internal orifices of the mouth. Both semi-permeable microcapsules and the impermeable microcapsules of the invention, as described above, can be incorporated into products designed for burst release effect.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The compositions of this invention can be in the form of pharmaceutical composition comprising the therapeutic agent-containing microcapsules and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, 0.01-0.1 M and preferably 0.05 M phosphate buffer or 0.8% saline. Additionally, such pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous solvents or carriers are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions and suspensions, including saline and buffered media. Parenteral vehicles include sodium chloride solution, Ringer's dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's and fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers, electrolyte replenishers such as Ringer's dextrose, those based on Ringer's dextrose, and the like. Preservatives and other additives may also be present, such as, for example, antimicrobials, antioxidants, chelating agents, inert gases, and the like.

Bone Restorative Materials

The compositions of the invention are useful in a variety of bone restorative or regeneration products. There is a need for new materials that can stimulate the body's own regenerative mechanisms and heal tissues. Porous templates that act as scaffolds are thought to be required for three-dimensional bone tissue growth. Bone growth factors have high potential to stimulate bone-forming cells to produce new bone, they are degradable in the body and they bond to bone. Bone restorative or regeneration products may include bone growth factors that could be stored longer or have more substantive effects if stored in a buffered environment within the microcapsule.

Specific dental products comprising the microcapsules of the invention include dental gels, pastes, rinses, dentifrices, whitening products, breath fresheners, artificial saliva systems, varnishes, desensitizers and other dental products well known in the dental art. Dental restorative materials include, but are not limited to, composite and other solid phase filling materials, adhesives and cements, temporary restorative materials, coatings on implants for the induction of bone growth. Various embodiments of the invention include over-the-counter applications such as toothpastes, bleaching agents, varnishes, sealants, sealers, resin restorative materials, glass ionomers (including resin modified glass ionomers), bioactive glass, compomer restorative materials, giomer restorative materials, oral rinses, any topical preventive or remineralizing agents (liquids, gel mousses, pastes), any rinse including antimicrobial agents, professionally applied and over-the-counter “paint-on” liquids gels, varnishes, sealers, indirect laboratory materials including laboratory resins, denture teeth, denture base materials, dental cements, root canal fillers and sealers, materials used for bone grafting, bone cements, dental implant tissue growth materials, endodontic root filling materials (i.e. apicoectomy materials sometimes called retro-fill materials), pulp capping materials, temporary restorative filling materials, prophy paste, periodontal scaling gels, air abrasion powders for prophylaxis, orthodontic cements, oral surgery extraction socket dressing, cadaver bone, and other bone substitutes.

Embodiments of dental products also include products that can dissolve in the oral cavity upon contact with saliva as a result of enzymatic activity in the oral cavity, such as dissolvable whitening strips. Other products incorporating the microcapsules that have a targeted effect on teeth include chewing gums, candies, lozenges, capsules, tablets and various food items.

In an embodiment where the microencapsulated dental compositions of the specific buffered solutions of antimicrobial agents of the invention allow incorporation of antimicrobial agents into a matrix of polymerizable composites and other solid filling dental restorative materials such as glass ionomer cements, the incorporation of the microencapsulated antimicrobial agents provides a source of bioactive filling materials and adhesives. The use of semi-permeable microcapsules allows the material to release these antimicrobial agents at the interface between the tooth structure and the restorative filling material or adhesive. This interface is particularly vulnerable to bacterial ingress, attack and subsequent secondary caries development. The presence of fluid within this interface can signal possible micro-leakage at the restorative interface but also allow activation of the material to release the antimicrobial agents. Embodiments of the microcapsules of the invention can be designed to release the antimicrobial agents when under mechanical stress at the opening of a space at the tooth/filling interface.

Dental composition embodiments of the invention also comprise a solid phase, such as composites, which offer multiple advantages. Presently, it is unknown to add antimicrobial agents into a resin composite and provide activity of the antimicrobial agents because the antimicrobial agents are likely incorporated or entombed within the resin or plastic insoluble matrix.

Delivery and Indications for Subcutaneous and Topical Therapeutic Agents

Related Therapeutic Products for Topical Use on Hair, Nails, Skin and Other Epithelial Tissue

There are numerous therapeutic agents that can be delivered to a subject via products such as moisturizers, creams, lotions, foams and gels. Such agents include the following non-limiting examples: antibacterials such as Bactroban or Cleocin; Anthralin (Drithocreme, Micanol and others) for psoriasis; antifungal agents such as Lamisil, Lotrimin and Nizoral for skin conditions such as ringworm and athlete's foot; benzoyl peroxide creams for treating acne; coal tar for treating conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (usually via shampoos) or psoriasis; corticosteroids for treating skin conditions including eczema via foams, lotions, ointments and creams; retinoids (such as Retin-A and Tazorac) are gels or creams for treating acne; salicylic acid in lotions, gels, soaps, shampoos, and patches, is used to treat acne and warts; antiviral agents such as Valtrex, acyclovir, and Famvir are useful for treating herpes; corticosteroids such as prednisone, and immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine and methotrexate, are useful in treating inflammatory diseases such as eczema and psoriasis; and biologics such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Stelara and Amevive are useful for treating psoriasis as well.

Additionally, non-therapeutic agents or additives can be advantageously encapsulated for use in these products. For example, it is appropriate to release a fragrance from a topical product. A moisturizer might use an encapsulated fragrance in a buffered solution to slowly release the fragrance from the moisturizer. This would give a pleasant scent to the user, over a longer duration, instead of a short-lived and intense scent of non-encapsulated products.

Shampoo: A shampoo is made by combining a surfactant (typically sodium lauryl sulfate and/or sodium laureth sulfate) with a co-surfactant (usually cocamidopropyl betaine) in water to form a thick, viscous liquid. Other shampoo components include salt (e.g., sodium chloride), preservatives and fragrances. Further components are usually added to achieve the following properties: pleasing foam; easy rinsing; minimal skin and eye irritation; thick and creamy feel; good fragrance; low toxicity; biodegradability; and proper pH.

The following are common shampoo ingredients: glycol distearate; silicone; ammonium chloride; ammonium lauryl sulfate; glycol; sodium lauroamphoacetate (cleanser and counter-irritant); polysorbate 20 (abbreviated as PEG(20), penetrant); polysorbate 80 (abbreviated as PEG(80), emulsifier); PEG-150 distearate (thickener); citric acid (antioxidant, pH adjuster and preservative); quaternium-15 (preservative); polyquaternium-10 (conditioning agent); Di-PPG-2 myreth-10 adipate (emollient); and methylisothiazolinone (MIT, preservative).

Many shampoos also include coloring agents, therapeutic/topical scalp agents, conditioners, moisturizers, and certainly fragrances. By encapsulating these agents, release of the agents over a period of time can be achieved that was not previously possible. For example a hair care product that aids in the prevention of grey hairs might include an encapsulated coloring agent. This coloring agent could bind to the hair and slowly release the coloring agent, thus preventing or reducing the appearance of grey hairs. Similar products are prevalent for facial hair.

For shampoos using a conditioning agent, the shampoo might first cleanse the hair, and the encapsulated conditioner can slowly release a leave-in conditioner to aid in prevention of knots in the hair. Such a product could be especially useful for those with longer hair, children, or those who frequently need to tie-up or cover their hair for religious or sanitary reasons, as non-limiting examples.

Hair Conditioner: Hair conditioners contain many types of ingredients. The following are examples: moisturizers (e.g., humectants); reconstructors (e.g., hydrolyzed protein); acidifiers; detanglers (e.g., polymers); thermal protectors (e.g., heat-absorbing polymers); glossers (e.g., silicones such as dimethicone or cyclomethicone); oils (i.e., essential fatty acids); surfactants (cationic); lubricants (e.g., fatty alcohols, panthenol, and dimethicone); sequestrants, for better function in hard water; anti-static agents; and preservatives. Conditioners include, for example, the pack conditioners, leave-in conditioners, ordinary conditioners, and hold conditioners.

Hair Gel: Hair gels, which contain cationic polymers, are hairstyling products that are used to stiffen hair into a particular hairstyle. Loading of microcapsules to release additional product throughout the day, could increase the length of the hold of the product. Furthermore, a hair gel could release conditioners, or coloring agents, or other therapeutic or non-therapeutic additive to assist in maintenance of the hair.

Hair coloring agents: While shampoos, as described above, might include certain coloring agents. More particularly, hair dyes or colorants include a peroxide and ammonia as primary components and the dye or color. Certain permanent dyes are either oxidation based or progressive. Progressive dyes typically contain lead acetate and bismuth citrate for tinting. Both agents work slowly by reacting with the sulfur of hair keratin. Oxidation hair tint, by contrast, works by using the dye intermediate p-phenylenediamine or 2-nitro-p-phenylenediamine, which react with the ammonia solution to bind and achieve the color. Accordingly, microcapsules could be used for several hair dye agents, namely as dye packets themselves, slowly and continually binding with keratin, as a progressive dye.

As the ammonia and peroxide work synergestically, the ammonia acts as a catalyst for the peroxide, which binds pigment to the hair shaft. The alkaline nature of the ammonia also tends to delaminate the hair shaft, allowing for greater penetration of pigment. The peroxide has a deleterious effect on hair by removing sulfur. This removal of sulfur has a tendency to thin hair over time. However, if we can both bind dye or pigment, and replace sulfur, we can preserve the volume of the hair. Accordingly, a microcapsule can be loaded with a sulfur containing agent to slowly provide sulfur to the hair strand. For example, microcapsules could be designed to burst over time with the mechanical nature of brushing the hair, or by a slow-release, with the microcapsules bound to the hair or skin to release agents onto the hair. Furthermore, we can deliver melanin to greying hair. Present research utilizes liposomes to deliver melanin to greying hair. We can replace the liposome with a microcapsule, and use the microcapsule as the delivery mechanism for the melanin, thus providing semi-permanent hair coloration.

Moisturizers: Moisturizers increase the skin's hydration (water content) by reducing evaporation. Naturally occurring skin lipids and sterols as well as artificial or natural oils, humectants, emollients, and lubricants, etc., may be part of the composition of commercial skin moisturizers.

Moisturizers for preserving normal skin contain, e.g., lightweight oils, such as cetyl alcohol, or silicone-derived ingredients, such as cyclomethicone. Moisturizers for treating dry skin contain ingredients such as antioxidants, grape seed oil or dimethicone, and petrolatum (for very dry skin). Moisturizers for treating the effects of aging contain, e.g., petrolatum, antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acids.

Nail polish: Nail polishes typically contain phthalates (e.g., dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethylphthalate (DEP)), and toluene. However, nail polishes could include encapsulated coloring agents, to maintain the color of the polish over time. Indeed, nail polishes may include other agents or additives to strengthen the keratin of the nail, prevent cracking of the nail, repair the nail, or repair the colored polish.

For example a polish comprises encapsulated coloring agents which are bound to the dried polish. As the polish is agitated, the capsule ruptures, thus releasing the additional polish, thus preventing or reducing the appearance of a scratch on the nail surface.

Additives

As used herein, the terms “additive” and “therapeutic agent” are not mutually exclusive. Although many additives have no known therapeutic role, some additives do have known therapeutic benefits. Certain additives are specific towards non therapeutic, and hedonistic purposes, including for release of flavors, scents, colorants, conditioning agents, cleaning agents, fluorescing agents, odorants and deodorants, tactile agents, as non-limiting examples.

In some embodiments, where oral application is desired, a sweetener is employed in products that incorporate the microcapsule compositions of the present invention. Sweeteners among those useful herein include, without limitation, orally acceptable natural or artificial, nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners. Such sweeteners include, without limitation, dextrose, polydextrose, sucrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, mannose, xylose, ribose, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup (including high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup solids), partially hydrolyzed starch, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, aspartame, neotame, saccharin and salts thereof, sucralose, dipeptidebased intense sweeteners, cyclamates, dihydrochalcones, and mixtures thereof. One or more sweeteners can be present in a total amount depending strongly on the particular sweetener(s) selected,

Products incorporating the compositions of the present invention, where oral application is desired, optionally comprise a flavoring agent. Flavoring agents among those useful herein include any material or mixture of materials operable to enhance the taste of the composition. Any orally acceptable natural or synthetic flavorant can be used, such as flavoring oils, flavoring aldehydes, esters, alcohols, similar materials, and combinations thereof. Flavoring agents include vanillin, sage, marjoram, parsley oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon oil, oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate), peppermint oil, clove oil, bay oil, anise oil, eucalyptus oil, citrus oils, fruit oils and essences including those derived from lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, apricot, banana, grape, apple, strawberry, cherry, pineapple, etc., bean- and nut-derived flavors such as coffee, cocoa, cola, peanut, almond, etc., adsorbed and encapsulated flavorants, and mixtures thereof. Also encompassed within flavoring agents are ingredients that provide fragrance and/or other sensory effect in the mouth, including cooling or warming effects. Such ingredients include, for example, menthol, menthyl acetate, menthyl lactate, camphor, eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, anethole, eugenol, cassia, oxanone, a-irisone, propenyl guaiethol, thymol, linalool, benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, N-ethyl-p-menthan-3-carboxamine, N,2,3trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1, 2-diol, cinnamaldehyde glycerol acetal (CGA), methone glycerol acetal (MGA), and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments of the invention, the therapeutic agent is a “systemic active” which is used to treat or prevent a disorder which, in whole or in part, is not a disorder of the oral cavity. In various embodiments, the active is an “oral care active” used to treat or prevent a disorder or provide a cosmetic benefit within the oral cavity (e.g., to the teeth, gingiva or other hard or soft tissue of the oral cavity). Oral care actives among those useful in the dental compositions herein include anti-caries agents, tartar control agents, periodontal actives, abrasives, breath freshening agents, malodor control agents, tooth desensitizers, salivary stimulants, and combinations thereof. It is understood that while general attributes of each of the above categories of therapeutic agent may differ, there may some common attributes and any given material may serve multiple purposes within two or more of such categories of agents. These therapeutic agents may preferably be stored in a buffered solution to improve shelf life and provide more substantive effects.

Products comprising the compositions of the present invention optionally comprise an antioxidant. Any orally acceptable antioxidant can be used, including butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, herbal antioxidants, chlorophyll, melatonin, and mixtures thereof. Products comprising an antioxidant may preferably store the composition containing the antioxidant in a buffered solution to improve shelf life and provide more substantive effects.

Products containing compositions of the present embodiments optionally comprise an orally acceptable zinc ion source useful, for example, as an antimicrobial, anticalculus or breath-freshening agent. One or more such sources can be present. Suitable zinc ion sources include, without limitation, zinc acetate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc glycinate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, sodium zinc citrate and the like. The products of the invention can optionally comprise a suitable pH-adjusting agent, including, but not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonium, for controlling the stability and shelf life of a dental product.

Products such as food materials incorporating the compositions of the present embodiments optionally comprise a nutrient. Suitable nutrients include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and mixtures thereof. Vitamins include Vitamins C and D, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, niacin, folic acid, nicotinamide, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, para-aminobenzoic acid, bioflavonoids, and mixtures thereof. Nutritional supplements include amino acids (such as L-tryptophane, L-lysine, methionine, threonine, levocarnitine and L-carnitine), lipotropics (such as choline, inositol, betaine, and linoleic acid), fish oil (including components thereof such as omega-3 (N-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), coenzyme Q10, and mixtures thereof. Products comprising a nutrient or nutritional supplement may preferably store the composition containing the nutrient or nutritional supplement in a buffered solution to improve shelf life and provide more substantive effects.

In another embodiment of the invention, the products comprising the microcapsules may further include an antibacterial agent for release onto the bone tissue or dental surface. A wide variety of antimicrobial active compounds may be employed. These actives may generally be classified as halogenated hydrocarbons, quaternary ammonium salts and sulfur compounds. Halogenated hydrocarbons include halogenated derivatives of salicylanilides, carbanilides, bisphenols, diphenyl ethers, anilides of thiophene carboxylic acids and chlorhexidines. Quaternary ammonium compounds include alkyl ammonium, pyridinum, and isoquinolinium salts. Sulfur active compounds include thiuram sulfides and dithiocarbamates. Products comprising an antibacterial agent may preferably store the composition containing the antibacterial agent in a buffered solution to improve shelf life and provide more substantive effects.

In various embodiments of the dental products of the present invention, the dental product comprises an adhesive or adhesion-enhancing agent which serves multiple functions, including enhancing adherence of a composition to the surface of the tooth to be remineralized or whitened. The adhesives are optimized for adhering to the teeth, resisting adherence to non-tooth oral surfaces such as the lips, gingival or other mucosal surfaces, and remaining attached to the teeth for an extended time. Optimization of such aspects may be achieved from varying the physical and chemical properties of a single adhesive or combining different adhesives. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the adhesive polymers in the product are those in which a dental particulate can be dispersed and are well known in the art.

The compositions of this invention can also be incorporated into candies, lozenges, chewing gums, tablets, capsules or other products. Incorporation of the microcapsules into the product can be achieved by, for example, stirring into a warm gum base or coating the outer surface of a gum base, illustrative of which may be jelutong, rubber latex, vinylite resins, and similar compounds desirably with conventional plasticizers or softeners, sugar, glucose, sorbitol or other sweeteners. It is also contemplated herein that the microcapsule compositions of the present invention can be incorporated into a variety of food items.

Each of the instant compositions, products and methods is envisioned for human use. It is also understood that although this specification refers specifically to applications in humans, the invention is also useful for veterinary purposes. Thus, in all aspects, the methods and compositions of the invention are useful for domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, horses and poultry; and for companion animals such as cats and dogs; as well as for other animals.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments that have been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes combinations of the features described as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.

In a further embodiment, a microcapsule formulation can be suitably added to numerous consumer products, and include one or more additives alone, or additives and therapeutic agents, to improve physical properties, hedonistic properties, and aesthetic properties of such materials.

For example, a laundry detergent with encapsulated fabric softener designed to break open in the rinse cycle releasing the respective fabric softener. Because of the incompatibility of many fabric softeners with the typical laundry detergents when used simultaneously, the detergent can first clean clothes, while the microcapsule releases the fabric softener upon the rinse cycle. This provides a single composition suitable for cleaning and softening clothes.

For example, rinse-cycle softeners usually contain cationic surfactants of the quarternary ammonium family as the primary active ingredient, such as monoesterquat, diesterquat, trimethylamine diseterquat, and not commonly used, distearyldimethylammonium chloride. These surfactants bind well to natural fibers, but less so to synthetic fabrics. An important aspect of these softeners is that they are incompatible with anionic surfactants in detergents because they combine to form solid precipitates. Accordingly, the detergent must be first added to the wash cycle to clean clothes, and then the fabric softener added after the rinse cycle to allow it to adhere to the fabric. Typically, these softeners contain 4-30% of active materials. In the present embodiments, laundry detergents can use a detergent as a carrier, and encapsulated softeners, which can be slowly released onto the fabric after the wash phase. This would reduce or eliminate the need for the multi compartment laundry devices, and allow concentrated detergents (such as pods) to include both the detergent and the fabric softener in a single pod, or single liquid detergent. There are certain anionic fabric softeners, for example salts of monoesters and diesters of phosphoric acid and fatty alcohols.

Laundry detergent with encapsulated fragrances that have an enduring odor release profile well beyond the wash cycle. For example, a microcapsule can be designed to rupture at a specific temperature, one met by the drying cycle, but not in the wash cycle. Accordingly, capsules will ‘burst upon drying’ if left out of the emulsion medium. In certain embodiments, the capsules themselves could be dialed in so that some microcapsules are thicker than others and that property would impart a ‘time lapse’ release of the fragrance over an extended period. Accordingly, a first microcapsule could release in the dryer, providing a “fresh” scent, and additional capsules having a different release profile would be bound to clothing and slowly release scent, or release scent at a delayed rate as compared to the first microcapsule. This provides long-lasting fresh smell to clothes.

It may also be suitable to encapsulate a wetting agent or a drying agent. For example agents that promote moisture retention or moisture to the microcapsule would be wetting agents. A drying agent could be a silica based agent or agent that would draw water into the microcapsule or otherwise promote drying of the material.

Encapsulation of low solubility ingredients of any type, in an otherwise aqueous based formula that would release through physical activity. Modification of the pH of the aqueous buffer solution can increase the solubility of ingredients. Furthermore, pro-drug style approaches, using a molecule that will transition to the intended additive, or one that is generated through release of a first and second agent through two different microcapsules is envisioned.

Encapsulated odor neutralizers used as an additive to cat litter activated by burst technology upon the scratching activity of the cat. Simple encapsulation of absorbent materials, sodium bicarbonate, etc. can reduce the moisture and capture some of the odors. Indeed, additional deodorant based products are further envisioned, including for remedy of mold or mildew smells, as well as for deodorants and anti-perspirant/deodorants for the body. Microcapsules can encapsulate triclosan (antibacterial) cyclomethicones, sodium stearate, sodium chloride, stearyl alcohol, EDTA, zinc oxide, ammonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, formaldehyde, or cyclopentasiloxane, or use of aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum formate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, potassium alum, ammonium alum, as commonly used components of antiperspirants and deodorants.

Encapsulated fluorescing agents used in permanent dental/medical materials. For example, where fluorescing agents are necessary for visualizing certain aspects of a tooth surface, or in other medical settings, the fluorescing agents can be added to or bound to a surface of interest and provide a fluorescent cue.

Encapsulated slow release pesticides. For example, pesticides for bedding to combat bedbugs, pesticides for dog and cat applications, where the microcapsules bind to the hair or skin of the animal, pesticides for in-home use for treatment of floors or carpet against fleas, mites, insects, arachnids, etc. Certain pesticides are also suitable for outdoor delivery for treatment of mosquitos, larva, beetles, arachnids, insects on ornamental plants and flowers. Release of materials to prevent slug or snail infestation or other known pests.

Encapsulated slow release odorants to prevent insect or animal damage. Many animals are repelled by certain scents. Encapsulating these scents could allow for slow release of such odorants to prevent damage to ornamental plants or crops. For example, many current products seek to prevent small rodent, rabbit, and other small mammal damage. Others also seek to prevent deer damage, or other larger ungulate damage to plants. Through encapsulation of such odorant compounds, slow and timed release can appropriately be tailored to prevention of such damage.

Encapsulated substantive slow release hair dyes that ‘recover’ the added color for an extended period.

Other classes of consumer products that may be appropriate for microencapsulation technologies include, but are not limited to: detergents, dishwashing liquids, paper products, toilet tissues, facial tissues, towelettes, sanitary wipes, baby wipes, feminine products, dryer sheets, odor eliminating products, shaving creams, gels, foams, shampoos and conditioners, gels, hair sprays, foams, and other hair care products, cosmetic products, deodorants, anti-perspirants, oral care products, lozenges, halitosis products, supplements, body soaps, skin care creams, lotions, and moisturizers, cleaning products and agents, diapers, diaper rash products, skin protectants, insect control, animal absorbent products including paper and litter (cat litter, small animal bedding, etc.). Through the encapsulation of one of more components, as described herein, consumer products can be ameliorated by providing for timed release or delayed release of additional additives or agents that were not previously possible with the particular class of materials.

EXAMPLES

The following examples set forth the compositions and the synthesis methods of the invention. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using the surfactant-free interfacial polymerization of a reverse emulsion to successfully encapsulate buffered solutions of therapeutic agents to create effective therapeutic compositions.

Example 1

A microcapsule composition of the invention was prepared containing a buffered solution of a peptide-based anitimicrobial agent. The composition was prepared by performing an interfacial polymerization in a stable inverse emulsion of phosphate buffer saline solution of a peptide-based antimicrobial agent in a methyl benzoate continuous phase. 6 grams of polyglyceryl-3-polyricinoleate (P3P) was used as the emulsifying agent. The emulsifying agent and 4 grams of a polyurethane polymer were mixed together. The aqueous buffer solution of the peptide-based antimicrobial agent (100 mL of 0.1 M) was added to 210 mL of continuous methyl benzoate oil phase under mixing. 0.2 g of ethylene glycol was subsequently added to the inverse emulsion to complete the interfacial polymerization of the polyurethane polymer at the interface of the dispersed buffered aqueous solution of peptide-based antimicrobial agent droplet. The average size of the microcapsule was controlled by the rate of mixing. Using the method of the invention, the following buffered aqueous solutions of an antimicrobial agent were thereby prepared.

Example 2

A microcapsule composition of the invention was prepared containing a buffered solution of a peptide-based anitimicrobial agent. The composition was prepared by performing an interfacial polymerization in a stable inverse emulsion of phosphate buffer saline solution in a methyl benzoate continuous phase. 6 grams of polyglyceryl-3-polyricinoleate (P3P) was used as the emulsifying agent. The emulsifying agent and 4 grams of a polyurethane polymer were mixed together and added to 210 mL of continuous methyl benzoate oil phase under mixing. 0.2 g of ethylene glycol was subsequently added to the inverse emulsion to complete the interfacial polymerization of the polyurethane polymer at the interface of the dispersed buffered aqueous solution of a peptide-based antimicrobial agent. The microcapsules containing buffer solution were stirred in a solution of a buffered peptide-based antimicrobial agent (100 mL of 0.1 M) while being mixed and heated to 37° C. to effectively load the microcapsule with the antimicrobial agent. Using the method of the invention, the following buffered aqueous solutions of an antimicrobial agent were thereby prepared.

Example 3

A composition of the invention for cavity varnish with antimicrobial capabilities was prepared as follows. A standard cavity varnish containing rosin, ethanol and thymol (97 wt %) were combined with 3 wt % of a microcapsule containing a 0.1 M buffered aqueous solution of an antimicrobial agent.

Example 4

A composition for toothpaste with antimicrobial capabilities was prepared comprising a colloidal binding agent, humectants, preservatives, flavoring agents, abrasives, and detergents. 2 wt % of a microcapsule containing a buffered aqueous solution of a peptide-based antimicrobial agent was incorporated. The antimicrobial agents will be released from the encapsulated buffered solution to improve mineralization of the teeth.

Example 5

A composition for a dental resin composite with remineralization and therapeutic capabilities was prepared as follows. A resin mixture (16 wt % total) was first made by combining urethane dimethacrylate resin with triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA) resin in a 4/1 ratio. A photo sensitizer (camphoroquinone) was added at 0.7 wt % of the total composition. An accelerator (ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate) was added at 3 wt % of the total composition. An inhibitor (4-methoxyphenol) was added at 0.05 wt % of the total composition. The resin, photo sensitizer, accelerator and inhibitor were combined in a flask and mixed at 50.degree. C. Upon homogenization, the above resin blend was mixed with the following fillers (84 wt % total): silanated strontium glass 71 wt %, fumed silica 10 wt %, microcapsules containing a buffered solution of peptide-based antimicrobial agents.

Example 6

A shampoo having a delayed release scent. A microcapsule is formed comprising an essence in an aqueous buffer solution. The microcapsule is formed through one of the methods described above. The microcapsule is added to a commercial shampoo formulation. The microcapsule is designed for a slow-release, to allow for fresh smelling hair over a period of about 24 hours.

Example 7

a laundry detergent having an antimicrobial microcapsule: A laundry detergent is formulated comprising a water softener, a surfactant, bleach, enxymes, a brightener and a fragrance within a carrier. A microcapsule is formulated by the following method: A microcapsule composition of the invention was prepared containing a buffered solution comprising a quaternary ammonium monoesterquat. The composition was prepared by performing an interfacial polymerization in a stable inverse emulsion of phosphate buffer saline solution in a methyl benzoate continuous phase. 6 grams of polyglyceryl-3-polyricinoleate (P3P) was used as the emulsifying agent. The emulsifying agent and 4 grams of a polyurethane polymer were mixed together and added to 210 mL of continuous methyl benzoate oil phase under mixing. 0.2 g of ethylene glycol was subsequently added to the inverse emulsion to complete the interfacial polymerization of the polyurethane polymer at the interface of the dispersed buffered aqueous solution of a peptide-based antimicrobial agent. The microcapsules containing buffer solution were stirred in a solution of quaternary ammonium monoesterquat (100 mL of 1.0 M) while being mixed and heated to 37° C. to effectively load the microcapsule with the fabric softener component.

A further modification of Example 7 includes a first microcapsule as provided above in Example 7, and a second microcapsule formed by the same process, but modifying one of the concentration of the polymer, the concentration of the oil phase, or the temperature of formation, thus generating a different microcapsule having a slightly delayed release profile as compared to the fabric softener. Within the second microcapsule is a fragrance. Because of the slower release profile, the material would add the softener to the clothes and then release the fragrance over time.

Example 8

A deodorant comprising a plurality of microcapsules. A first microcapsule comprising an aluminum based carrier and encapsulating an antibacterial agent, for delayed release of the antibacterial to prevent odor.

Example 9

A pesticide composition comprising a carrier having within the carrier a first pesticide, and a microcapsule comprising the same pesticide. The microcapsule formed as according to one of the methods provided herein, and generating a slow-release microcapsule to allow for slow release of the pesticide.

Example 10

A slow-release hair dye: A peroxide and ammonia based carrier and encapsulating a pigment in an aqueous buffered solution. The microcapsule formed by any one of the methods as described herein, for a slow-release of pigment to the surface of the hair strand. A further example includes a first microcapsule comprising a sulfur based component and a second microcapsule comprising a pigment. The first and second microcapsules having the same mechanical properties to allow for synchronized release of the encapsulated agents to the hair strand. This allows for the sulfur to react with the pigment and bind to the hair strand for extended color to the hair strand. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A microcapsule formulation comprising a plurality of microcapsules and a carrier, each of said microcapsules having a semi-permeable shell formed of at least an amphiphilic polyurethane polymer having a molecular weight between 1,000 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol, and encapsulating therein a buffered solution and an additive, wherein said buffered solution is in contact with the semi-permeable shell, wherein the microcapsules are disposed within the carrier.
 2. The microcapsule formulation of claim 1, wherein said additive is selected from the group consisting of: an antimicrobial agent, antifungal agent, antibacterial agent, antiviral agent, antiparasitic agent, pesticide, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anticancer agent, anti-inflammatory, antiplaque, desensitizing agent, a dye, a colorant, a deodorant, a flavorant, a fabric softener, a detergent, a soap, a drying agent, a wetting agent, and a perfume or scented agent.
 3. The microcapsule formulation of claim 1, wherein the carrier is a soap, a laundry detergent, an antibacterial cleaning product, an antifungal cleaning product, a skin-care product, a shampoo, a conditioner, a hair gel, or a hair dye.
 4. The microcapsule formulation of claim 1, wherein said plurality of microcapsules comprises a first microcapsule and a second microcapsule, said first microcapsule having a different property than said second microcapsule.
 5. The microcapsule formulation of claim 4, wherein the first microcapsule is formed from a different polymer than the second microcapsule.
 6. The microcapsule formulation of claim 4, wherein the first microcapsule has a different release profile than the second microcapsule.
 7. The microcapsule formulation of claim 4, wherein the first microcapsule encapsulates a first additive and the second microcapsule encapsulates a different second additive.
 8. The microcapsule formulation of claim 4, wherein the first and second microcapsules encapsulate the same additive. 